With escalating discomfort, Richard tuned into the heated conversation and finally sighed heavily, the sound stretching out like a rubber band snapping. God, please just let me stay alive tonight. I don't need this kind of drama. Please just let me stay alive tonight. That's all I'm asking." His voice held a tinge of humor, trying to diffuse the tension, but the underlying plea was clear.

Ethan, casually chewing his skewers, broke the silence oblivious to the tension like it was the most normal thing in the world, looked over at Fiona. "Dora, when are we going to explore the site?" He took another bite before continuing, "We can't just walk around all night looking like… well, like this."

Fiona, momentarily absorbed by the surrounding bedlam of the school's Halloween festival and the bustling stalls, abruptly snapped her fingers and giggled as she applauded her palms together. "Oh, right! I almost forgot about that." she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "We're still on for it, aren't we?" She beamed at her friends, eager to confirm their plans.

Evie, the ever-skeptical one, playfully poked at Fiona's candy basket, shaped of a pumpkin. "Sure, but someone's got a lot of treats here eh." she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief beneath the shadows of her hood.  "Nice little stash you've got going on here, huh?" Her tone was light, carrying a hint of tease as she examined towards Fiona's bounty of treats.

Fiona chuckled, her eyes sparkling as she held out her brimming basket. "Trick-or-treating pays off, thank you very much."  she said, her voice light. " You wouldn't believe how many houses gave extra when I batted my eyelashes. Besides, I'm prepared for the night. You never know when you'll need a stash.  So yeah, I've got my stash covered, just in case I need some motivation later"

Ethan smirked. "Of course. Classic Fiona. And here I thought you'd be all serious about our big demon-hunting mission."

Damien smirked, glancing from Fiona's basket to Evie. "Maybe she's just stocking up on bribes in case something really does go wrong."

Fiona rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue playfully. "Oh, come on. I've got this under control. Unlike certain individuals around here."

Damien took the bait, moving closer to Evie. "Seriously though, do you ever let that scythe out of your sight?" He nodded towards the scythe. "It's pretty badass, no doubt,  but it's starting to feel like you might be auditioning for Scream 8 or something."

Evie's eyes flicked to Damien, her expression unamused. "Shut up, Jason. I'll let you keep talking, but next time I'll aim for your neck." she warned, the menace in her voice unmistakable despite her calm delivery.

Under his breath, Richard quipped, "She says that like she's not holding a bloody scythe."

Ethan gave him a playful shove, his smile widening. "Hey, mummy boy, just stick close to Jason and Red Riding Hood. Maybe they'll keep you alive."

Fiona let out a breath, tugging at the brim of her safari hat. "Alright, alright. Let's get going before I eat all my candy and lose motivation."

Richard's eyebrow arched. "Hold on," he said, his voice a blend of doubt and intrigue. "You're telling me we're actually really going to the old building?" His gaze bore into hers, a flicker of curiosity lighting his eyes.

Damien nodded, looking like he was savoring the chaos of it all. "Yeah, why not? It's Halloween. What better time for a little… adventure?"

Ethan, suddenly interested, turned to Fiona. "So, are we really doing this? I mean, it's not like I'm scared or anything, but I kinda want to know what's going on before we all end up in some horror movie scenario."

Evie gave him a pointed look. "Scared? Please. You're the one who's always trying to act tough."