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Riley's arms were shaking. Clearly, the situation was out of her hands, and she hated that. She received several answers back, both mental and audible, but she wasn't surprised by Sammy's outburst. She knew nothing she could say would stop the ghoul from coming for Shehk. It was others, those who were not so heavily invested in the situation, that she hoped to save.

Others, like Bul. She heard his voice, and took it as a sign that he had listened. She took a shaky breath, nodding to herself slightly. If all she'd done was protect Bul, and perhaps Barth, then it was well worth it.

Even if there were still ridiculous first years stumbling about, trying to make fools of themselves in a fight they were clearly not ready for. She was reminded of the words she'd whispered to Malodore that night, the ones that had caused it to curse in anger at the world. The thought of her plague doctor surged her with confidence - she felt nothing of it's presence nearby.

Malodore was, as far as she knew, safe and sound.

I know what we're dealing with, Jericho. She practically hissed at her best friend, without looking at him. That is why this is a trap, and as many of us as possible should not be falling for it. She didn't seem to be including herself in that, however. Just.. keep Lizzy safe.

Riley remained at the front of the line, if anything, trying to keep the assailant's attention on her. Shehk was unconscious in his arms - she couldn't even try to give the ghoul a shred of comfort.

Too much was out of her hands. Riley. Hated. That.

Riley was frustrated. Very frustrated. It was making Jericho frustrated in turn. So much chaos right now. A part of him reveled in it. Yet, at the same time, Riley was right. The hunter was clearly leading them into a trap. He was toying with them all.

It was definitely infuriating.

he said as his grip on Lizzy tightened.

Something told Lizzy that Jericho had told Riley what she said, and that the Mindflayer had responded. She calmed down a bit, especially when she felt him hold her tighter; unconsciously, she held him closer and laid her head on his shoulder (however that work - she's very flexible).

They're getting Shehk back, sonehow.

Riley straightened and stared at Sammy for a second, watching the ghoul rage and let her emotions lead her words and actions.

She rubbed her temple with her thumb and sighed, trying very hard to keep her insults to herself. But it was clear from her look of annoyance, Riley's gaze was saying You are an idiot.

Maybe it was because Sammy was a ghoul. Maybe it was because she too was a zombie. Maybe it was because she yelled words that struck him. Maybe it was a mix of the three.

Either way, Mort managed to slide Freya's eyePhone from his mouth to the crook of his arm. It was like kinship gave him that surge to shout, "WILL STOP THIS!" the boil added, both eyePhones bouncing with each step. "Halloween hunt in packs t-too!"

Did he cut the figure of an epic hero, some lanky first year with a deadweight right arm and two phones in the other? Probably not.

But it felt good to add to something.

The little siren was confused. He didn't know who this was but- before Israfel could gather his thoughts, he was sent reeling back before he kne just what the jack was happening. Shehk.. they took Shehk? The siren let out a wail as he wanted to get his friend back. They... hadn't hurt anyone but they had taken Shehk. Why? just what was going on?

Wings beat as the siren got air born, trying to get up to the unknown being. "Please! Stop! Why are you taking Shehk? What did you mean get stronger?" So much confused him, and he hadn't a clue as to just what was going around him.

Puffing her cheeks in annoyance, she felt the urge to give him a lecture on not resting while recovering. She would be sure, after all this, to make damn sure he got enough time to rest and make a full recovery.

"Riley did?" What about Shehk? what would happen to her if they just let her be? Then again, it was obvious that what they were doing, was trying to lure them all in. s**t..either way, both options sucked.. "I can imagine.." She answered as he mentioned transforming. Especially in the condition he was in. Perhaps if she were to do some FEAR healing on him? But she doubted it would do much good.

Fidgeting with her hoodie, she looked in the direction the cloakie had run off in before settling beside Bul again. Brushing his hair from his face, she frowned. "Never a break.."

Of all the people she did not want to see standing up to the hunter, Xiu was definitely high on her list. As soon as she heard Xiu's voice, Riley's eyes widened and she grabbed the ghoul, sliding her effortlessly behind her back. Tentacles wrapped around the baku protectively, and her answer was hissed out rather high pitched in worry.

Xiu, what are you doing up here-

Then the information she'd just been handed settled in, and Riley took in a sharp breath. He knew their names. That did not make Riley feel any better about him, it made her feel worse.

Oh, Jack. She whispered, her hands running down the length of her face in dismay. They know our names. This situation was getting worse by the minute. If they knew names, there was so much more they could know, and so much more they could use against the students.