And the wall again, the final stretch. With one last push Ishiyo rocketed off on the final lap. She pushed herself harder, her whole body screamed now. She wasn't sure where either of them were in the little race. All that mattered was this last effort.

Then it was over, she rested against the wall. Her breathing was heavy and water ran down her face and neck. Only now did the Crane search for her Spider pursuer, still unsure of who had won the race.

His own breathing was ragged. Water dripped down his face as he held onto the edge. Turning, he saw her looking around, and he grinned. It reached his eyes before he laughed.

"You know. I do not really care who won or lost. That was fun, Daidoji-san." He splashed some water towards her. "I would happily race you any time the opportunity presented itself."

The water hit her face and Ishiyo blinked, looking genuinely confused. Then the sly smile returned and she turned. Pushing herself off the wall she glides away from Ryuu on her back. One leg comes out and slaps back down returning the splash with interest.

The Crane arcs her back and floats, lightly paddling her legs. Her eyes close and she just enjoys the water...and the company. Ryuu hears her call out, "Coming?"

He nodded, shaking the excess water after her returned fire of a splash. An easy breaststroke to cover the lost distance, without using too much exertion. Catching up with her, he slowed his pace down, just staying with her as they swam, floating on his back.

"You would not have to tell me twice." He finally responded to her question, the sounds of their breathing, the water rippling around them the only thing adding to their words.

Ishiyo's blue eyes remained closed during much of their slow progress, "This is nice..." She pauses for a second then quickly adds, "I mean a nice leisurely swim to cool down from ouh race." Her eyes open a crack and she glances to him, a contented smile on her lips.

"It is." He nodded languidly, floating along in the lane next to her. He was fully relaxed, at ease. No concerns about the miai, or duty, or anything else. He was existing purely in the moment, especially because of the company.

"It allows us time to catch our breaths. And be more prepared for today's little jaunt."

At last they arrived at the opposite end of the pool. Ishiyo paused there just giving a moment to let the sounds of the room soak in. The gentle lapping of the waves they had made, the sound they made even now as the floated against the wall, even the industrial hum of the filters and fans that keep the place running.

"Yes just to catch ouh breath," She looked at the Daigotsu for a moment before averting her gaze and pushing off again. This time the Crane swam to the opposite wall in a simple dog paddle.

"Of course, no other reason." He treaded water as he watched her. Eyes focused on her face, her nose, the sparkle of her eyes. Ryuu observinf her as she began to paddle down, before following himself, an easy breast stroke as he kept his head above water.

"Why is swimming your preferred morning exercise, Daidoji-san? I am merely curious."

"Father owned a full size one...." Ishiyo blushes as she notices him watching her and smile a little, "I just got used to it as a form of exercise. It does not hurt that when you are underwater....it is almost like floating in space, for a moment I can forget everything and just drift."

"I guess it also helps if I eveh bail out in a large body of wateh." She adds with a kind of 'that was a lame point' laugh.

"That makes sense. And one should not discount the survival training benefits." He laughed with her, swimming closer. "To have that feeling of being in the Void, while still being at home, I imagine just allows ones cares to float away."

They were from such different worlds. Such different upbringings. Yet in his mind, Ryuu found that not mattering at all.

It would be difficult to ignore the final recommendations on how any Spider should focus on finding a spouse.

"I run. Back home, I mean. Usually ten kilometers around farm fields. The terrain is steady, yet rugged. Helps clear my mind, too."

"But what about the gaki?" Ishiyo's eyes widen, the whole action of the dog paddle did little too make her look dignified. "Oh do you just give them a magisterial glare and send them running?"

They were nearing the wall and the Crane...seemed to be slowing her pace just a fraction. Stretching out their time on the water.

"They are more an issue at night than the day." There was a certain look of bravery as he spoke. "I do not exactly make an easy target. And our priests patrol the main roads frequently enough." He shrugged, moving more to tread than making forward motion, not wanting to over take her, not wanting to reach the wall.

"Hazards of Shiragiku are always a risk, though."

Despite her efforts they were near the wall...so Ishiyo just stopped. And remained floating there looking at Ryuu. She opened her mouth to say something, but just fell silent. Enjoying floating there watching him swim. When she realized she was the one staring now, she takes a deep breath and goes under. Hoping to hide under long enough to clear her head.

That was... unusual. It was not often when he was the one stared at. His legs stilled, and he bobbed down in the water, before pushing himself under. Eyes blinking, the chlorine burning slightly. Holding his breath, he swam underneath to her, staying under.

What am I doing?!

Ishiyo opened her eyes, they stung from the chemicals, and he was there. She reached out a hand to touch him palm against his bare chest, feeling his heart pounding. Then shook her head violently and resurfaced with a large gasp for air. The water was cool but she felt like a furnace had lit just under her skin. The Crane coughed up some of pool then rubbed her eyes.

It felt like his heart was about to beat out of his ribcage, when her hand went against his chest. The moment simultaneously lasted forever and was over in an instant. When she rose quickly, he let let all his breath, and followed suit.

"Are you okay?" He asked, concern for her coughing. He wouldn't mention the shared moment. It wouldn't be polite.

Ishiyo couldn't look at him, her voice was soft, "...no." She moved only enough to keep floating, a small sweep of the arms and kick of the legs. "That was....too forward of me, I just when you followed me under."

Despite herself she was smiling, "We should probably get ready for the biathlon." Finally her blue eyes met his, he could see that a part of her had wanted to go further than that brief touch...and perhaps still did. But she was a Crane noble and it was unbecoming for her to behave in such a manner. "The weight of Honor feels enough to drag me under."

She closed her eyes and took one more shuddering breath, then it was over. Ishiyo had managed to suppress whatever had threatened to bubble out of her for now. "I look forward to seeing you again...tomorrow at the arcade yes?"

"Do not... worry about that, Daidoji-san. Please..." he swam after her, but stopped. Not wanting to cause her any more distress. And then he saw her smile, the brightness of her eyes. She wasn't the only one that had wanted to go further.

"Yes. Tomorrow Night. I will meet you by the entrance." He nodded, and looked away to give her a moment to compose herself after that breath, and to compose himself.

"Best of luck today, Daidoji-san."

Ishiyo reached a hand out toward him again and stopped, instead she lifted it out of the water and gave him a lame smile and wave. "Try you-eh best ok." Her voice sounded painfully childish to her ears.

She climbed out of the pool and rested on the side, waiting to make sure he got out safely. "And be safe Ryuu-san." Her voice was the same gentle one she had used earlier. "Daigotsu-san." She corrected herself.

He pulled himself up, standing tall as she spoke. "You do the same as well Ish... Daidoji-san." He bowed to her, breathing in deeply. He would have to steady himself to focus on the competition.