They decided to try another entrance this time.

The biggest part of the bunker had seemingly been built into a large mound of earth. However, by circling around the mound just for kicks, Onyx and Feldspar had spotted another entrance. Part of the dirt -and metal beneath- had eroded away in the face of the elements. And through the gaping wound in the metal flanks, the pair could see ancient stone and rusty pipes.

Less official, this entryway, but seemed to lead to the same place.

Once again Feldspar led the way, fading flashlight in front and Onyx trotting behind.

The hallway they had spotted was a very half-and-half sort of set up. A raised sidewalk with railings sneaked along one half of the shattered hallway while water lapped at its flank. Both confidently beconned the way forward and further into the darkness beyond.

A hundred treasures could possibly be found, left behind in this abandoned fortress. And a thousand dangers, as well.

As they walked, Feldspar couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his neck. Almost as if they were being watched. But as Feldspar glanced around, he saw no one but himself, Onyx, and the empty hallway stretching coldly out before them.

He was probably just imagining it.

Onyx happily splashed along in the water while Feldspar chose to walk on the designated sidewalk, thank you very much. The less of his fur got submerged in that slightly dirty water, the easier he could warm back up.

Until the walkway abruptly ended. The stone before his paws had long ago crumbled and collapsed into the flooded path below. Looks like he'd be getting his feet wet today after all.

Onyx made grabby hands and he passed over the flashlight. Let her lead the way if she wants.

As they walked Feldspar found himself staring at the walls looming on either side. From the looks of it it was mostly stone brick, yet as they padded further it transitioned into well-worn metal. More durable that way, he supposed. More likely to withstand whatever their builder dreaded so badly.

Feldspar didn't want to find out what that something was.

Above their heads the ceiling sloped down. No problem, Feldspar and Onyx just lowered their heads and continued trotting on. But the ceiling kept getting lower. And lower. And lower. And then suddenly the floor was gone too, leaving the duo to awkwardly paddle their way forward.

If moving forward even was the best idea. The ceiling was just low enough to fit their heads above the surface with no signs of letting up anytime soon. Feldspar doubted there was anything worth drowning in here for.

"We should head back and report what we've found," he said. Which was probably the most sensible thing to do.

Onyx, however, had never been sensible. Before he could say anything else she suddenly took a deep breath and dove.

"Hey!" Feldspar shouted, even knowing it was no good. "Onyx, get back here. You're going to get yourself in trouble. Again."

No response.

Feldspar growled to himself. With the flashlight gone there was nothing to do but wait, floating in the almost completely dark chamber. It was only the faintest whispers of light from the entrance behind him that let Feldspar take in the dusky shapes of this area. And he would never admit this aloud, especially not to Onyx, but he couldn't help but feel there was something off about this place. Like there was something lurking just out of sight, watching them.

He had never believed in ghosts. But right about now Feldspar couldn't help but wonder if they were perhaps trespassing on the last inhabitants' resting places.

Inhabitants who wanted them gone, by any means necessary.

A moment later Onyx re-emerged with a hearty gasp and bright eyes. Before he could tell her off, the youngster chirped "there's tunnels down there!"

Feldspar blinked. "Wh-"

"Tunnels, three of them! Come look."

And then she was diving again, down into the murk. This time Feldspar elected to follow her. He kept his eyes fixed on the white flash of her tail tip as she led the way through the flooded expanse.

Sure enough, a flooded chamber greeted them. It may have been some kind of safe room before… whatever caused the ring to be abandoned. The hollow space sat empty, a hollow shell with corroded metal sides, save for three dark shapes looming against the far wall. No, not shapes. Hallways.

Before Onyx got any bright ideas Feldspar flashed a signal and the two retreated back the way they had come. The moment their muzzles were once again above water Onyx grinned. "See, there's tons more stuff down here!"

"Yes…" Feldspar relinquished. As much as he hated to admit it, Onyx's rushing ahead had actually brought something positive in consequence. "But we won't be exploring in there any time soon. Not without some diving equipment."

Like he said before, nothing these ruins held could be worth drowning for.