Someone Close

Each foot going up the damp stairs was like a wave of anxiety striking against Vanessa's chest. It was just as dark as her previous runs.

Iku found herself walking very slowly to stay by Vanessa's side, "Don't be nervous. It's easy. We got this".

Vanessa took a deep breath, "O-ki".

Iku stepped up to the lever, "Are you ready"?

Vanessa shook her head, "Wait. We need to pull both levers".

Iku waited for Vanessa to run over and yall, "Ready".

And just like that, they turned their respective levers. Water flooded in and likewise drained out through small drainages. The gates slammed shut and the two girls walked towards the center. The water was building fast, but no higher than their shins.

Vanessa pointed her fingers around, One makes the water come in and the other makes it drain".