While Dahlia was struggling in the cave and kalim hadn't even recovered from the initial shock of seeing someone doing a power transfer ceremony with flame god's avatar itself, Xena jumped into the canal along with caspian.

She herself could swim like a fish.

After all, in Strongfort, her mother taught her how to swim in the hotspring.

In Espana, the art is further refined as she learned how to swim in tune with the currents of the sea.

Caspian is one hundred and thirty pounds of sheer muscle.

There's not much fat on his body.

The moment he fell in water, he sank like a stone, despite his struggle.

His swimming was at best rudimentary.

Worst yet, it was learned in the placid waters of First step's lagoons, at a depth where one could easily stand with their head above water.

Xena hooked her hand against his neck.

Whatever her agreement with the shadow god was, it came into effect real quick, for there was a transparent barrier forming around them.

Or was it just her illusion