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Stage Three: (Riley and Jericho team up) Pass

Riley felt Jericho tumble underneath her, and slid right off of him to roll onto the ground in a pile. She lifted her head lazily, and looked at her friend's collapsed form.

Then she looked back at the hoops he had just carried her through.

And she looked forward, to the blazing balls of fire and beyond.

If Jericho had found the strength to carry her while leaping through balls of fire, then she could find the strength within her to carry him the rest of the way. She wasn't going to let them give up just yet - not after getting this far. Not after all he had done for her.

All right, buddy. This time, I'll carry you.

She pushed herself under him, slid his arm around her shoulder, and stood with his weight on her back. Her eyes stayed focused on the flaming balls, just barely dodging them as they came swinging her way. She dragged him all the way to the next stage of the course this way, finally making it to the skitter-sharks and pausing to rest here.

They snapped up at her ferociously, and her eyes widened.

I've got an idea.

Stage Four: (Riley and Jericho team up) Pass

Yeah.. She breathed out, but it's going to be hard. Especially since she planned on carrying Jericho while she did it.. she'd never done anything like this before.

Then again, what did they have to lose? Except another life.

She hitched Jericho up onto her back, hooked her arms around his knees, and secured him safely. All right. Hang on tight spidermonkey. It wasn't much warning, and quite suddenly she had just jumped into the skitter shark pit instead of trying to get over it.

Her foot landed square on the nose of one of the snapping skitter sharks, and she used them like stepping stones, jumping from one to another. They were only further angered by this and chased her as she continued hopping, until finally she reached the end of the pit and made a desperate leap for the finish line.

The two tumbled like weeds against the ground.

Riley splayed against the ground, staring up at the dark sky.

A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. She murmured, her voice sharp and angry. It was clear that the adrenaline had her mind back in focus, and she pushed herself to her feet, scanning until Nox was in her sights.

She was headed right for him. And if any obstacles stood in her way, well..

...

There better not be any more obstacles.

Jericho remained on the ground for a little while before slowly pushing himself to his feet and shuffling in after Riley as she went to speak with Nox. His weariness showed. It was enough that he actually didn't care that he could tell the guy was smirking at them. Maybe he was even mocking them.

Too tired to be angry.

"Whatever..." he mumbled.

The 'Treater stared at them for several long moments, then gave them each a thoroughly once over. "Yeah...no." He held up his hands in a pacifying gesture, "As in not here, not now. I mean seriously? You just come right out with that s**t in a public place? You don't offer any threats (not that they'd get you anywhere) and no deals. Just one long show involving consecutive acts of extreme masochism and pathetic, pleading honesty?" He looked at Jericho and then back to Riley, "He seems pretty out of it, but of the two of you..." Nox shook his head, and rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh. "Listen, I'll meet up with you kids and we can talk, then. But for now I'll do you a favour and let you come to this table as demon should, understand?"

The corner of his mouth quirked a bit, "If you think it's the students finding out what we know that's the issue, then yeah, it is probably best if you keep your stupid jackdamned mou....whatever, shut." He paused for a moment, considering their options, "Monster dorms have several refrigerated rooms in the basement, may help you regain some cool, yeah? Only one of them is occupied and the gnomes pretty much avoid that area altogether. Get there by moonrise, and don't draw attention to yourselves."

As much as Nox's jab was clearly meant to rile her up further, Riley was happy to hear him offer an actual place and time. After all, each step forward meant they were closer to the truth. Even if it did mean more waiting.

Though.. giving Jericho a side-glance, Riley realized that waiting was actually preferred. She could use a rest, as well. It wouldn't be much, but it would have to be enough.

She reached over and pulled Jericho's arm over her shoulders, forcing him to lean on her for support. Come on, Jericho. I'll take you back to your dorm. Then I'm getting us some Jack-damned ice cream.

Oh, she hadn't forgotten that. Not by a long shot.

We'll be there. Riley flicked the thought haphazardly back at Nox, after she'd already started carrying her friend off the field.

Lailah regarded Hexidecimal words with a hesitant, slightly dubious glance. His reassurances proved unconvincing with his constant stuttering, and averted glances.

But she accepted the challenge without complaint.

She returned the sign paper to him, "I-if you say so." She said, hesitantly glancing back and the forth. She placed the sticker on her chest, instantly hit by a wave of dizziness. As much as he told her not to panic, she felt her pulse quicken. "What have I gotten myself into this time?" But there was no backing out. She stepped hesitantly forward, startled by the sight of fire.

"You're joking."

She wanted to shrink away, and die. If only it was possible. "U-um." She stammered, but the sound rifle shots had her cry out in a panicked scream. She raced forward, eyes closed with startling speed as if she was running for her life.

Which she probably was.