Once inside, the blinding light diminishes to a more comfortable level. Still no discernable source for the light, it seems as if the stones of the walls themselves are aglow.

“ Miko! Where are you?” Still no reply. Moving forward down the hallway he has a feeling of urgency, of needing to find Miko and fast.

Quickening his pace, he flies down the hallway until it opens up onto a large room. In the center of the room is an opening revealing a stairway leading down. Feeling as if he’s been here before, he approaches the opening and gazes down. A flight of fourteen steps descend down to what looks to be another level.

Taking the steps quickly, he finds himself in another hallway extending ahead. The glow which had pervaded the stones above is present here as well. “Miko?” he hollers into the hallway. When no answer is forthcoming, he moves down the hallway, a little more cautiously this time.

As he progresses down the hallway, he sees a figure standing with his back to him. Before the figure is a door standing ajar. “Miko?” James asks as he slows his pace even further. When he gets closer he sees that it is in fact Miko.

“ Miko!” he hollers and rushes to his friend.

Miko turns his head and says, “I need to get in there.”

“ Why?” James asks as he comes to stop at his side.

“ If I don’t, something bad is going to happen,” he replies.

“ Something bad?” he asks. “I don’t understand.”

“ Neither do I,” he replies.

James reaches for the door to open it and Miko says, “Don’t.”

“ How are we to get in if we don’t open the door?” James asks.

Miko looks at him and shakes his head. “I have to get in there,” he repeats.