The summer sun hung in the sky burning relentlessly at the backs of all who dared walking in its path. With Yuki double checking all she had Kiba sat at the desk her hands holding a small photo of her and her family. Tracing her fingers on a young boy with black hair, she smiled sadly at the image as he clutched to a younger version of herself's arm. A man and a woman standing behind the two, both in each other's arms. Looking at the smiling faces she could never help but wonder if they approve of what she is doing. The dangers she throws herself into for the rush she had come to love was always a wan one her mind when she was reminded that her family met a horrid fate through the same experience.

Is it right to be doing this? To throw her life away just for the thrill that makes her feel truly alive? The addiction that is more than enough to tear a family apart? Sometimes she felt selfish to think that she can do it without fear of pulling everyone apart cause there is no one else but her. if she died all that would be at her wake would be the ones lowering her down to the ground.

She almost slapped herself for such things. She had others now, Rin and Sousuke were always at her side Nitori cheered her on. Even spazzy Yuki who turned out to have a motherly side would all mourn her passing...right?

She knew the answer far to well. Yes it was selfish of her but she has fallen far too deep into this to ever get back out. But that did not mean she would leave this world unmarked. If today marks the day then so be it. She lived more than most people who managed to get to their nineties.

Looking over her shoulder to see her roommate go over her bags contents for the fifth time she could not help but feel a bit annoyed. Did she really have to worry so much? Yuki had no idea what she does outside of school so it makes her uneasy just how worried her roommate can be when she has no idea what the girl really does. "Alright thats enough Yuki I think I'm fine.

Turning her head so the blond can get a better look she only pouted "I just worry sense you can be a bit of a air head a times." Now that was news, since when was Kiba the airhead and Yuki the voice of reason. Yes when it comes to female like things the swim addict is useless but that is all her roommate lives for. It does show though, Yuki was the prettier of the two yet physical appearance is something she could care less for. Especially since the blond complained about not having such a perfect body when she poked Kiba in the stomach that felt like a rock. It amazes her to this day how she was able to keep the blond from knowing of the scars.

Dressed in shorts and a tank top she put the family photo against one of the Drizzt series, the laminated paper that was worn from much use now sitting in the sun a fitting perch for such happy faces. "Look I need to head out though, the guys are waiting for me" again she was met with a pout, the blond looking like a spoiled brat as she sat on the floor arms crossed. "And let me guess you won't let me come with you?"

The swimmer only rolled her eyes. She is always reminded how much Yuki wants to hang out with her and the guys no matter how many times she explains to the blond that she will be board with sitting and doing nothing for hours she is always countered with. "No I will never get tired of the view" in all honesty Kiba hated that side of the girl. She never was very happy with the girls of Samazuka looking at her friends as if they were nothing but eye candy. They were her family and they should be treated better. Its even more annoying when a fat ass is jealous of them cause they aren't built like tanks. Not their fault that they put all their effort into their passion.

"Listen, if you be good I'll think about having you come with me to swim practice alright? But this time is serious business that we worked all year for and we can't have distractions." Seeing the girl's eyes light up only made her roll her own. How boy crazy can you get? Its not like thats all there is to the world.

Picking up her duffle bag she waved to the teen already making her way to the court yard and feeling the blistering heat on her back causing the thin cloth to stick to her skin as if made of wet paper. It was the perfect weather to make her want to jump into the ocean sharks or no sharks.


Jogging down the dirt path to the buss stop she was greeted with all the sounds summer could offer. School finally ended last week and teens were leaving with friends and lovers plans set into motion that have been made months prior. Who goes with who, who does what and when. She could never get why teens could plan the entire summer out day for day.

With the shade being a welcome change in temperature she keeps jogging, her feet soon giving way from dirt to asphalt the roaring of cars speeding down the road one by one each having it's destination for a good afternoon in the saturday sun. The bus stop looming next to her she leaned her head around the wall a smile on her face when she saw her friends Nitori sitting on the bench looking to the water before him, Sousuke and Rin standing side by side arms crossed as they tried to escape the summer heat.

"Hey guys" she said waving. Perking at the sound of her voice the guys welcomed her into the shade Nitori going on at how she is going to be even better than last time with Rin putting his arm on her head as if she were an armrest. Looking to her brotherly figure he simply nodded his head, his eyes showing excitement as he explained that he could not wait to see her race. Its hard to believe that she known them for a almost a year now, shocking her to remember that the giant was not present at her first race.

Butterflies were fluttering in her stomach at the thought of racing again. It always made her giddy but this time she was not racing for herself, for once in her life shes going to have friends cheer her on. for once in her life she is not going to have to seek company in the waters for she will be welcomed on land. Seeing the bus roll to a stop groaning at the effort like a hungry beast the teens all moved to the vehicle, smiles on their faces and laughter in their words as if they were on a long awaited field trip.


Energy, theres a word that Kiba can always place at the summer races. the docks full of people from all heritage, wealth and status. Sports lovers and gore fanatics that all show up at the docks. The camera crew zooming in on the protesters saying this is wrong even though the races do nothing to the animals in question.

With the guys in toe Kiba made her way down the docks the voices and activity overrunning her senses as she tried to squeeze past the bodies around her, more than once someone recognized her only to have one of the swim team block their path and guide her away from greedy hands. She really was thankful for them, after all she really did hate all the commotion that followed her wherever she went, never did she have a moment of privacy when the races were under way.

Making her way to the stand of white, coated in flags from around the world Kiba was met with a young girl who greeted everyone with a smile her eyes landing on her she simply waved. "And what can I do for you today?" the overly cheerfulness was enough to make her want to back away, still she pulled out her ID and number watching as the young woman's eyes went wide. "Your the second place ranking? Please forgive me I always thought Kiba was to be male."

The words were all too familiar rolling her eyes she took the number and ID back silently moving back to her awaiting team. "Looks like I'm In with a total of six others, we got some time to kill so what do you guys wanna do?" Seeing the looks on their faces she already realized that they were waiting to see what the real races had to offer. The preliminaries were for the rich only but now it was treated almost like a festival, with stands of games and selling things from swim gear to tokens.

Hiding between Rin and Sosuke so the others would not catch her Kiba found herself once again enjoying the festivities. Winning game after game and glaring at the ring toss. The only thing she found herself missing out on was the food for fear of cramps. It was not unheard of for someone to lose to the waters because he had a snack that same day.

Walking past the booths to make way to the waiting area she noticed Rin slowing down causing the others to follow. The teen looking at the wears of a man old and fat ushering him forward. "You have a good eye my boy, these are replicas of the shark tooth Kiba Tachibana herself wears. They say that the original is what gives her protection from the ocean's deadly beasts.

She couldn't help but roll her eyes. She came way too close to death more than once so everything the man said was just a mouth full of lies. Walking to Rin's side she eyed the teeth ignoring the shocked expression of the man as he watched her take one of the teeth in hand.

It felt light, far too light, the surface too smooth to be anything but fake. The one that hung on her neck was a wight that hung on her heart strings. Even without the emotional baggage she is always reminded about it due to the sheer size of the great white. The one that sat in her hand hardly took up half her palm while hers could scarcely fit in her entire outstretched hand. "Look if you're trying to make money from fake stories about me do it right" she said pulling out the real one from her shirt.

The man's eyes widened causing her to sigh. She hated men like this, only wanting personal gain made from her own sacrifice. As long as she stays alive those will sell and she hates it. "Least you can do is use real ones, even I can tell they're just some high grade plastic." Seeing the man practically drool over her tooth she quickly hid it from view leaving the him in shock. Yes she was rude but what of it, it's humiliating to find out that you been turned into some kind of merchandise.

"That was a bit uncalled for Kiba-chan" Nitori held a bit of confusion about him, he always saw her be a sweet spaz not the cold heart that disliked a man's hard work. She couldn't help but feel a bit bad as the kid kept looking back at the man who fumbled for words as they walked on. "I just don't like others using my name to make a quick buck. especially since what he is doing might get someone killed thinking they have protection from a shark attack."

Realization coming over him he only looked down a bit embarrassed. Putting a hand on his head she shook her own, she never wanted to hurt the little guy's feeling "don't worry about it, its not like people are actually going to buy that crap."


With the end of the docks in sight and guarded by security Kiba only shrugged showing her ID to them who let her in without a second thought ignoring the lingering gazes of the guys behind her. It was something she became used to way before she started school with them no way would she give in to stares now.

No longer crowded in the VIP area they found once again that the waiting area for racers was more like a private first class party than a sport. Waiters holding trays full of food from around the world passed around not looking anyone in the eyes as they sampled fine wine. Wealthy dressed in fine clothes and jewels speaking to one another in strange accents about things that they never really paid mind to.

With the sight once again overwhelming the guys Kiba took it in stride, taking a large table for them while Sousuke asked if they should wait she only waved her hand. She was a racer, thus given special treatment no way was she going to stand around to be gawked at by the snobs who were betting on her as she fought for her life.

Still even with such a nasty sight in her line of vision she could not help but enjoy the comfort of being so close to the sea. The bustling noise that echoed from the festival, the splashing of calm waves against the docks spraying the scent of salt water her way in welcoming guests. The way the sun pelted on her sun screened body like a blanket. They were all feelings of home.

Sitting next to her Rin put an arm around her shoulder the uneasiness about him causing her to look up only to see how much fear was shrouded behind his eyes. Even though he still forced a smile asking what she was going to race today.

"Tiger sharks, their always start with those for some reason. Gets the crowd going for the rest of the season without giving out casualties." It was a normal day to her, seeing the dorsal fins of the hunters dip up and down through the waters, a forced migration causing them to pass right on through. Seeing two now only meant that they would call the others soon.

Yet as she heard the horn asking for her to make her way to the start she heard an all to familiar voice, taunting her to slip up. "Well if it isn't the shark bait, I guess your more crazy than I thought."

Kiba could taste the poison in her mouth when she turned to see the miss match eyes of Mori. The orbs narrowing down on her as if she were nothing more than the filth on his shoes. he was dressed in normal clothing without a bag in sight causing a smirk to grace her features as she rested a hand on her hip. "Yes I must have forgotten my mind next to my common sense silly me. But what about you Mori? I heard you lost your chance of being in the opening race, something about not having enough points is it?"

If this was a who had the bigger dick contest then this would be it. Their entire rivalry was nothing more that crude remarks yet nether of them could ever stop the words even with the boy's father being a friend of hers. Yet she still felt like the winner of a war standing on top of the corpses of his words that failed against her. It was to great seeing his name show up on the next race, his work falling just too short to compete with her today because now she really was in another league.

And oh how she could rub it in his face.

But that would have to wait another time. Her shirt and pants already off she had to hold back Rin as they walked past the blond, the confused gazes of the others following them. After all Kiba made sure to keep her incident a secret. No need to lose Rin's perfect punching bag now is it?


With the boys giving her good lucks and pats on the backs she was about to wave them off, the walkway in sight she turned her back only to have Rin grab her wrist and give a single kiss.

It was unlike the others, it had passion but was silent, it had more emotion than anything yet it was still and sweet. It filled her with a shock and yet a fire at the same time, as if he gave her strength and all the support he could. Pulling away she looked back into his eyes, dazzling rubies full of determination. "I saw you give Haru a run for his money, now I want you to obliterate that time."

It was the best thing he ever could have said to get her motivated. She beat Haru, the swimming machine and destroyed her last time, now she was going to obliterate it. It was a drive that made her own eyes match his, a fire of determination danced in her irises as she grabbed his arm and nodded her head. "Would I allow it to be anything less?"


Walking down the platform she listened as the announcer called her name alongside the others, five names that all looked at her with respect or disgust. the crowd cheering her name in a very unique chant caused her to look over, only to break out in a wide spread grin and give a solo wave.

Out in the mass of humans stood the Iwatobi swim club, leading the chant was Gou herself a megaphone in hand while the others stood out through the boring crowed. To her surprise even Haru was there though his eyes were stuck on the waves and his mouth was sealed shut.

What a race this was going to be! Jogging down the platform Kiba already pushed her mane back into the cap, stretching her limbs before the horn sounded. She was going first this time and it meant she got all the advantage and disadvantages. Being first was a wild card, yet it was something she could never say no to.

The water lapped hungrily at the start off, the waves clear and warm from the summer heat. She stood tall, her hand grabbing her tooth as she took in a deep breath. She must not fear what waits for her, fear is what causes them to act, and fear would be ones death. She was a guest of the ocean, she done this before and done even crazy outside of the races. Yet no matter how much experience she had she would always feel the butterflies flapping in her gut.

The sound of the horn caused her to jump in completely on instinct and taking to the blue world with her thoughts now empty.


Her eyes open perfectly in the water she felt her lungs still full of air as she cut through like a well polished blade. She practiced all year never gaining a lack of laze and now it was showing. Above the waters were the rippled of her body that caused the waves to almost part like they done before. No resistance, no fight and no trouble.

But something was wrong.

She felt her body being thrown through the water, the powerful stroke of a tiger making a beeline for her caused Kiba to react and dive missing the beast by a hair's breath. Yet the predator came at her again, twisting her body she felt her heart clench as she felt the sleek body brush with her skin. This was not right, they were active, they were aggressive, they were anything but normal.

The blood in her veins pumped as if thin as wine. With all her might she pushed through, her body screamed her lungs protested yet she kept going in zig zags every launch putting herself in even more pain that she wanted more than anything to just end. A million thoughts raced through her head crushing it like an unrelenting hand.

She was the prey, thats all she could realize. All she could do was keep moving, all she could do was squirm like the flailing food that this predator has had many, many times. The all too real feel of kicking the beast in the nose caused her blood to turn cold as she raced for the surface. If someone saw her they would help right?

With all her strength she pushed, again her feet brushed the beast, her toes grazing the sareaded teeth causing a stinging in her feet.

Her body met air, she jumped higher than she ever jumped before. Her eyes meeting the blue sky as her hands reached forward as if she could pull herself from this hell. The crowed once cheering now broke out into screams of horror as her shadow broke the surface with her. Her lungs filling with air it took all her might not to use it in a scream as she was pulled back into the dark hungry jaws of the unforgiving waters.

Her vision once full of light now filled with darkness, bubbles attacking her eyes from all sides as she was thrown this way and that, her teeth biting into her lip until she tasted the metallic taste to keep from screaming. She knew her leg was being eaten yet she could not feel the pain. The adrenaline that pumped through her veins only caused her to feel like a war of ice and fire.

Was this it? Was this the day her luck ran out? In an odd thing, yet she saw it coming. Life was to grand for her to not have it cut short.

The way her body was thrown back and forth, how her lungs screamed for air and the salt for once stinging her eyes with an unrelenting force. It hurt, it hurt like nothing she ever could imagine yet it was the only way she ever saw it.


.


Rin's heart snapped in two that day.

He gave the one he loved a challenge, to come out with an even better score than before. He stood with his friends, cheering the words "lets go Kiba" a smile on his face as he slung an arm around his sister's shoulders, bragging to the guys that they would see history in the making. That his spitfire would break her record and cause their jaws to drop.

The sun was warm, the sight of Kiba taking all the space with her confidence. The feeling of her bag in his hands. Everything just seemed perfect, when he saw the look of fierce passion in her eyes he was convinced she would be fine. That she was untouchable. The fierce, powerful, passionate spitfire he knew so well was above things like accidents in the races.

Even when the time for her to come for air was slower, even when the minutes passed he still believed she was fine, not even listening to the words of worry.

Seeing her fly through the waters like a sea creature caused a smile to appear on his face, he was too far to even see the look of pure unadulterated fear on her features. All he saw was his Kiba breaking her record of how far she could jump from the water's depths. Looking like the queen of the sea herself.

The jaws that followed her, the animal that threatened to take her whole caused his smile to turn to a face of pure fright. His day full of friends and cheers turned into a nightmare that one could never even pull from the darkest pits of his fears.

Kiba Tachibana was fighting for her life out there.


.


She didn't know if there was a god out there or not. She was never a real believer of anything other than what lie in front of her. But if there was one it did not want to deal with her yet.

It was only a glimpse, a slight movement yet she saw it anyway. Her tooth flying through the water with her. The bone almost strangling her with the weighted force. But it was enough to spark something.

She was the only survive of her family, the only one to say she was eaten by a shark and lived to tell the tale. The only one to wear it's teeth like jewelry. What would the others say if she just gave up when faced with another that wants a taste? Her brother would call her a wimp, she would never be able to look her parents in the eye unless she said she put up a fight.

Even her friends, that very morning she thought of what would happen if she was gone. Who would be there to mourn her. And it was simple, those that would cry over her body are the ones watching her right now. The ones who cheered for her, the ones who held her bag and protected her from random fans.

The ones who told her to beat her time.

With a bust of strength she twisted her body, the water dyed crimson to match the new found rage she had for this beast. Now she was going to have a lot of awkward conversations with her roommate because of this overgrown fish.

Her eyes wide and her heart pumping she could practically feel the adrenaline race through her veins. It was indeed a tiger, somehow she could see every detail, every motion as she pulled back her fist and slammed it into the snout of the thing, yet he would not let go. She grabbed the beasts jaws with her bare hands steadying herself for only a moment as her fist felt flesh once more and met with the beady black eye of her attacker.

It was over in a second and a second was all she needed. Without looking back she forced herself up once more. She could make out the bottom of a boat above her as hope blossomed in her chest. She did not feel her attacker, she did not care about her lungs. All she did was race so fast she was sure she smashed her record.

Her hands met the air first. Gabbing for anything before the hurried voices called each other over, taking her arms in a grip that she was sure could bruise they pulled her into the boat. Her mind still in a daze and her lungs taking in greedy gulps that would never slow down. She doubted there was enough air in the planet to get her back to normal.

Blood seeped from her right calf, three guys in the boat all worked speaking in frantic voices that she could not make out. All she knew was she was in a boat, and she was alive. If she had the strength she would flip the bird to that damn shark, her only regret being that she could not have another souvenir.


.


He ran down the dock, the others hot on his trail. He pushed through the crowed that moved like cattle to the edge, trying to get a better look only to curse at him as he slammed through.

He needed to see her. He would have a heart attack if he did not see her. Adrenaline rushed through his veins as he worked through the boating docks only to be stopped, no civilians aloud, yet he had it. He saw Kiba take control in these parts, how she acted like she owned the place at times when needed. "Thats my girl friend and if you don't move then I'll throw you."

Without another word he pushed through, the white parametric boat bobbing through the waves. The sounds of cheers thundered through the wind as he caught sight of what he wanted most.

Kiba was sitting up, her arm though not as strong waving to those on land.

With a smile on his face her ran to the edge of the dock, tempted to jump in just to reach the boat half way. Kiba was safe, she was alive and waving! She was okay! Thats all he wanted, he had no idea how she was all he knew was that she was alive and okay!

An ambulance on shore the paramedics picked up a stretcher that she laid on. His breath was ragged yet he ran to hug her all the same not seeing the damage that had been done. But as his arms met her he realized that she slipped into unconsciousness. The sheets around her were soaked in red as they began bandaging the wound. Her calf holding a new set of teeth marks, losing so much blood that she passed out.

His heart sank at the idea of what the future had in store for his ocean racer. Kiba Tachibana, the survivor of a great white shark, might never race again...


Hey guys I'm back. Do you hate me now?

I am so sorry for being gone so long. I'm juggling school, cosplay (which I do for work) horses, competitions. Anything you can think of I've been stressing over!

Another thing about it being so late is I had been getting little to no reviews. Those are what inspire me to keep going because it tells me that people who read it are enjoying it as much as I do. I already re lived this entire story from start to finish and know where it's going. The only I don't know is if it's good or not, and seeing reviews be in the single digits say that not may enjoy it.

But even with my doubts I still decided to write because half of this has been sitting in my file taking up space and least fave it I really wanted to write out Kiba's second attack. Actually I was just in a training accident with one of my horses. My foot got caught in the stirrup and he dragged me across the field for a good minute and it made this all the easier to write it.

Lets just talk about that for a sec, the majority of this chapter that is through Kiba's eyes are literally SECONDS long. When you fight with mother nature it is a blink of the eye yet lasting for years at the same time. Its freaking scary. The ideas coming made me write this so fast that my mother was kind of worried about it.

Thank you for those of you who do review and say you enjoy it. I really am happy you guys like this because this is the closest I came to finishing a story. Actually this is the most popular one I had so its great seeing how some of you are biting the bit for this XD

Hope we meet sooner than 6 months!

Close Enough