We searched the backstage area for some time, looking for any sort of information that would lead us to Richard. The two of us found ourselves back in the same dark halls we passed through last night. I readied myself for anything that might be lurking around in the shadows waiting for us.

Michael and I followed the hallway until we came to a dead end. At that point it seemed that we would have to go on without my brother. And still, no one was even sure if Richard had survived the battle with the Unluckys. All of this could have been a waste of time. I told my son that we would have to leave Rich behind.

We moved back up the hallway toward the lobby. I came to a complete stop and shouldered my weapon, and in doing so, Michael readied his gun as well. We both heard footsteps that sounded like they were heading our way. I motioned my son up against one wall, while I hugged the other one then Mike and I slowly walked on to meet whoever was coming toward us.

We could see a figure emerging from the darkness. Still having our rifles up and ready, the two of us once again came to a standstill. As the person entered a pool of light, we were relieved to discover that it was only the janitor we ran into down here yesterday.

Though we did not lower our weapons, he continued to walk up to us. In a deep strong voice, the man introduced himself as Professor Dean Kaide, and said that he was of no threat to anyone (at least not directly). Also, he promised to help find Richard, plus show us a way to escape, as long as we would take him with us.

At first I was leery about his offer. It could have been some sort of trap, though Michael seemed to be all right with it. Reluctantly I agreed to Kaide’s terms, but he would have to lead the way, while one of us had a gun on him at all times. With a half cocked, satisfied grin, he stepped in front of Mike and myself to lead us to where Richard was being held.

Once the three of us reached the exit that led back to the main part of the coliseum, we heard the sounds of men marching. Turning left to go through the double doors that divided the backstage area from the seats, I could see that a handful of guards were standing there blocking any movement in or out.

Instead of trying to force our way through, we continued following the hallway until all of us were standing in the center arena. As I looked around, it was evident that no one had cleaned up after Richard’s battle. The bodies of the two Unluckys, as well as the poor bystander were still out in the open. My attention was drawn to the entrance as the protective gate dropped down, locking us inside the arena.

I knew someone was on to us, but I wasn’t sure who it was. We were looking around trying to find an exit when thunderous noises echoed above us. Without warning, all of the exit lights went out, replaced only with the main spotlight.