Undercover Bloodsucker
(Captain) and the others are surprised to see Eustace in full costume receive candy from a young trick-or-treater. Eustace is on an undercover mission to stop an illegal auction.
One day (Captain) and the crew visit a town.
Lyria: Wow! This place is all decked out for Halloween!
Vyrn: You said it! Looks like the town's Halloween festivities are in full swing!
Lyria: It's a bit strange seeing so many people in costumes, but exciting all the same!
Lyria: Huh? What's that?
Vyrn: Somethin' catch your eye, Lyria?
Whoa, is that who I think it is?
Vyrn: It's Sourpuss! What's he up to?
(Captain) and the others head over to Eustace, who stands at the back of the crowd.
Eustace: ...
Vyrn: No way...
Lyria: Eustace is wearing a costume...
(Captain) and the others stop and stare in bewilderment at Eustace, who's dressed quite a bit differently than usual.
Lyria: Oh my...
Trick-or-treater: Hey, mister!
A young boy in costume runs up to Eustace.
Eustace: ...
Trick-or-treater: Trick or treat!
Eustace: Look, I don't have any candy.
Trick-or-treater: Really? You're all dressed up, and you haven't gotten any candy yet?
Eustace: ...
Trick-or-treater: Don't worry. I'll give you some of mine!
Eustace: Wait, I don't need your candy...
Trick-or-treater: Here ya go!
The boy takes Eustace's hand and places a piece of hard candy in his palm.
Trick-or-treater: See ya, mister!
Eustace: ...
Vyrn: Uh, Eustace?
Eustace: Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?
Vyrn: You took the words right outta my mouth! And that getup...
Vyrn: I mean I know it's Halloween after all. But I'm surprised to see you getting into the spirit!
Eustace: Well, right now I'm...
Vyrn: Yeah, a vampire! We're friends with one, and your outfit is the real deal!
Lyria: It looks great on you!
Lyria: Right, (Captain)?
- Yeah! Your costume's pretty cool!
- Yeah! So can I feel your ears?
Choose: Yeah! Your costume's pretty cool!Eustace: You think so?
Vyrn: You bet! But dressing up isn't like you at all.
Eustace: Don't get the wrong idea. It's for an assignment.
Lyria: So... it's not for Halloween?
Choose: Yeah! So can I feel your ears?Eustace: Still going on about that, huh?
Eustace: I don't mind, but just do it later. I'm on an assignment.
Vyrn: On an assignment? Dressed like that?
Eustace: It's a part of the assignment.
Continue 1Vyrn: So what's this assignment about anyway?
Eustace: ...
Eustace: The castle on the outskirts of town?
???: Indeed. There's a rumor that a large secret auction will be held there.
Eustace: A secret auction...
???: And it's not only objects on the block. We're talking monsters, people, and even beastfolk.
Eustace: ...
???: There's another rumor that they're being sacrificed to primal beasts.
???: It's hard to tell how much of this is true, but it can't be ignored.
Eustace: Understood. What are my orders?
???: First we'll have you go undercover.
Eustace: Undercover?
???: Rarity is what drives demand, so disguise yourself as a vampire and get caught. Then discover who's behind these auctions.
Eustace: Understood.
???: We've also reached out to Beatrix about this mission. She's already begun her own investigation.
Eustace: I see...
???: We shall leave the approach to your discretion, but the target is to be eliminated once discovered.
Eustace: Roger.
???: And one more thing... Don't go breaking any more of these devices. They're expensive you know.
Eustace: ...
???: We're counting on you, Eustace.
Lyria: Eustace? Are you all right?
Eustace: Yeah, I'm fine.
Eustace: But have you seen Beatrix around?
Vyrn: Now that you mention it, she went off somewhere in full costume too. Is she also on an assignment?
Eustace: ...
Vyrn: I'm not sure what's going on, but we can help you out with the job.
Eustace: ...
Eustace studies (Captain) and the others, contemplating their offer.
Eustace: Well, if you've got a disguise on you...
Wait, forget it. It's too dangerous.
Vyrn: Huh? I didn't catch that.
Eustace: Have fun, but don't wear yourselves out.
Lyria: Wait, Eustace!
Vyrn: And he's gone... Just what sort of assignment is he on anyway?
(Captain) and company stand perplexed as they watch Eustace's tall figure recede into the crowd.
Finding Peace in the Din
While undercover as a vampire, Eustace comes across two men who seem to have information about the old castle where the illegal auction disguised as a Halloween party is being held.
Eustace, on an assignment from the Society, walks around town disguised as a vampire.
Eustace: ...
Shifty Fellow 1: That's not the deal we shook on! What are ya tryin' to pull?
Shifty Fellow 2: Forget the deal! This was hard to come by, ya know!
Away from the hustle and bustle of the main street, Eustace comes across two seedy-looking men arguing in a back alley.
Shifty Fellow 1: Can't ya go and get another one?
Shifty Fellow 2: Now that's a laugh! Go beg for one outside the old castle if you want one so badly!
Shifty Fellow 1: Oh yeah? Well if I can't get in, then I'll make sure you can't get in either...
Eustace: Hey. You two.
Shifty Fellow 1: Whoa! A vampire?
Shifty Fellow 2: Hold up. That's gotta be a costume.
Eustace: ...
Shifty Fellow 1: Huh, you're right. But if he's wearing a costume, that means...
Eustace: You said something about the old castle?
Shifty Fellow 1: I knew it! You're trying to get in too!
Eustace: ...?
Shifty Fellow 2: Well forget it! No way am I handing this over!
The man loses his temper and prepares to attack Eustace.
Eustace: Oy. Look, let's talk.
Shifty Fellow 2: Shut yer trap! You can have it over my dead body!
Eustace: Fine. No talk.
Finding Peace in the Din: Scene 2
(Captain) and the others find Eustace and he decides to accept their help on his mission. Lyria and Vyrn enter the old castle using a party invite while Eustace and (Captain) sneak in through the back.
Eustace: ...
Eustace sighs as he looks down at the two men on the ground.
Vyrn: Hey, Eustace! What are you doing in a place like thi—
Vyrn: Yikes! Who are these guys? What happened to them?
(Captain) and the others arrive at the scene.
Lyria: This has to do with your assignment, doesn't it?
Vyrn: And that's also why you're in that getup, right? What kind of job are you doing anyway?
Eustace: ...
Eustace pauses a moment to think before reluctantly sharing his mission details.
Eustace: We've heard that a secret auction disguised as a Halloween party is taking place at the old castle outside the town.
Vyrn: A secret auction! That sounds like trouble.
Eustace: It also seems that people and monsters are up for bid.
Lyria: Then we've got to do something!
Eustace: Right. That's why I'm dressed like this: to go undercover.
Vyrn: I get it now. But what made you wanna finally tell us?
Eustace: Because my disguise is too obvious...
Vyrn: Too costume-like, you mean?
Eustace: There's no point in being undercover if no one believes I'm a real vampire.
Vyrn: Well, it's Halloween after all. What do you expect?
Eustace: I'm going to try to sneak in instead.
Vyrn: Oh yeah? Breaking in, are ya?
Lyria: Then we'll help you! Right, (Captain)?
Eustace: ...
With a big grin, (Captain) nods at Eustace, who nods back in return.
Eustace: That's what I hoped you'd say.
Lyria: You can count on us!
Vyrn: So how do you plan on getting inside?
Eustace: Beatrix should already be there, but I can't get ahold of her.
Vyrn: Oh...
Eustace: First I want to check out the security. For now we should—
Lyria: Oh!
Lyria: What could this be?
Lyria picks up an envelope she sees on the ground.
Vyrn: Pay attention, Lyria! Sourpuss is in the middle of explaining the plan.
Eustace: Wait.
Lyria: Huh?
Eustace: Give me that.
Lyria: This? Here you go.
Eustace takes the envelope from Lyria and opens it.
Eustace: It's an invitation...
Vyrn: You mean an invitation to the party at the old castle?
Eustace: It looks like it.
Lyria: Then we can use it to get inside!
Eustace: No. The invite's for one person only.
Vyrn: Aww! I guess we can't all get inside...
Eustace: ...
Lyria: Hm, I guess holding on to that invitation is pointless...
Eustace: No. It still might be useful.
Vyrn: Hey! What's going on now?
Eustace: We're moving.
Lyria: Oh! We're coming! Slow down, Eustace!
They arrive at the old castle and split off into pairs.
Lyria uses the invitation to pass through the front entrance, taking Vyrn along with her.
Eustace and (Captain) quietly make their way to the rear of the castle.
Eustace: Are you worried about Lyria and Vyrn?
- Yeah, I hope they're all right.
- No, I'm worried about you.
Choose: Yeah, I hope they're all right.Eustace: They'll be fine. That invitation is no fake.
Eustace nods reassuringly at (Captain).
Eustace: Guests should be safe for the most part at this kind of party.
Choose: No, I'm worried about you.Eustace: About me?
Eustace's eyes widen a bit before a sly grin spreads across his face.
Eustace: Then you'd better have my back.
Continue 1Eustace: The back entrance is over there.
The two peek through the trees at the castle door.
Sentries: ...
Eustace: We don't want to make a scene. You stay here and hide, (Captain).
Finding Peace in the Din: Scene 3
Eustace and (Captain) disrupt the party and are thrown into the dungeon. After learning that there is no auction, Vyrn and Lyria help Eustace and (Captain) break out.
Vyrn: Hey, Lyria...
Lyria: Shh! Stuffed toys aren't supposed to talk!
Vyrn: Gimme a break! This is tougher than it looks...
Lyria: Just please be still!
Oh, it's Eustace and (Captain)!
Eustace: Everyone all right?
Lyria: Yep! We're fine. Vyrn makes a great toy.
Vyrn: Ngh... Hey, can I drop the act now?
Eustace: ...
Eustace looks around the crowded hall.
Eustace: Just be sure to keep a low profile.
Vyrn: You got it!
Vyrn flies out from under Lyria's arms and stretches out wide.
Lyria: Oh, Vyrn...
Vyrn: Anyway, what's up with this party?
Eustace: ...
Many adults and children are gathered within the hall. It appears very much like an ordinary Halloween party.
Vyrn: Nothing seems off about this shindig. Even the guests look like everyday people.
Eustace: But the auction goods should be kept around here somewhere.
Vyrn: Oh yeah... They're holding people and monsters for sale, right?
Lyria: But where could they be?
Eustace: ...
An idea pops into Eustace's head. He slowly unholsters his gun.
Eustace: I'm taking a hostage.
Vyrn: What! Did you just say what I think you said?
Eustace: (Captain), be my hostage.
- I'll pass.
- I'm on it.
Choose: I'll pass.Eustace: All right then... How about you, Lyria?
Lyria: Eep! You want me to do it?
Vyrn: Now hold on! Just tell us what you're thinking first!
Eustace: I'll pretend to take a hostage to lure away security.
Vyrn: Oh, that's the plan? Well, in that case...
Vyrn looks over at (Captain), who agrees to help.
Eustace: Good. I'm counting on you.
Choose: I'm on it.Eustace: I'm counting on you.
Eustace and (Captain) exchange glances and nod.
Vyrn: Whoa, whoa! Don't keep us in the dark here! What's this about a hostage?
Lyria: Maybe he's just pretending to take a hostage?
Eustace: Exactly.
Continue 1Eustace: I'll use (Captain) as my hostage and disrupt the party.
Vyrn: That's a doozy of an act to pull off.
Eustace: Are you ready? Let's go.
Vyrn: Y-yeah... Just be careful, all right?
Grabbing (Captain) from behind with one hand and brandishing his gun in the other, Eustace walks into the center of the hall.
Eustace: Nobody move.
Party Guest 1: Huh? What's going on?
Eustace: If you value this kid's life then you'll stay put.
Party Guest 2: W-what's happening? Is this some sort of show?
- Oh no. Help. I'm, like, so scared.
- ...
Choose: Oh no. Help. I'm, like, so scared.Party Guest 1: So it... is a show?
Eustace: ...
Lyria: Are they buying it?
Vyrn and Lyria look on in worry, when Eustace suddenly points his gun at the wall.
Choose: ...Vyrn: Are they gonna be all right?
Vyrn and Lyria look on in worry, when Eustace suddenly points his gun at the wall.
Continue 2Party Guest 2: Aaah!
Party Guest 1: A gun! A real gun!
Eustace: Don't move!
Guard 1: What's going on here?
Guards hurry in and point their blades at Eustace.
Eustace: ...
Guard 1: You! Put down the gun!
Guard 2: And let go of the hostage! Now!
Eustace glances at the guards surrounding him before leaning in close to (Captain)'s ear.
Eustace: Now.
(Captain) jumps out of Eustace's hold, escaping the binds placed by him.
Guard 1: Get him!
Eustace: ...
Guard 2: Restrain him!
After taking away his trusty gun, the guards throw Eustace in the castle's dungeon. He quietly assesses his surroundings.
Eustace: ...?
But not long after he's thrown in, Eustace hears footsteps approaching.
Guard 1: Good golly, you snuck in here too, eh?
Guard 2: We don't need any more trouble.
Guard 2: So we'll have you stay here until the party's over.
Eustace: ...!
Eustace can hardly hide his surprise when he sees the guards escorting (Captain) into the dungeon.
Guard 1: Here. Make yourself at home.
Eustace: Oy...
Guard 2: And you... No biting, ya hear?
Eustace: ...
Guard 1: Ha-ha! Just kiddin'! It's not like you're a real vampire anyway.
Guard 1: Now you two behave.
The guards leave and quiet returns to the cell.
Eustace: Hey, what are you doing here?
(Captain) gives a sheepish smile.
Eustace: Let me guess... No invitation?
After Eustace was taken, the guards quickly discovered that (Captain) didn't have an invite.
Eustace: I really messed up...
- What are we gonna do?
- It's not your fault.
Choose: What are we gonna do?Eustace: We've just gotta make a plan.
Eustace: I'll get us both out of here, so don't worry.
Choose: It's not your fault.Eustace: You really mean that?
Continue 3Eustace: Anyway...
Eustace glances around the dungeon once again.
Eustace: I thought by letting myself get caught, I could get closer to the goods up for sale somehow.
Eustace: But I don't see anyone in here.
Eustace and (Captain) put their heads together in order to plan an escape. Meanwhile...
Lyria: I wonder if they're all right...
Vyrn: Well, Sourpuss was trying to get caught in the first place, so he's probably fine.
Lyria and Vyrn remain in the hall on the lookout for anything that could help complete the assignment.
Party Guest 1: I'm still confused. Was that a show just now?
Party Guest 2: I don't know, but it was exciting!
Party Guest 1: I suppose. But that vampire costume was a rare sight indeed.
Vyrn: A rare sight? What do you mean?
Party Guest 1: Hm? Young lady, are you a ventriloquist? You're pretty good!
Vyrn: Say what!
Lyria: A-anyway when you say that it's a rare sight...
Lyria: Is it because one could be mistaken for a sale item?
Party Guest 2: A sale item? Whatever do you mean?
Lyria: Um, you know, like at a... secret auction...
Party Guest 1: A secret auction?
Lyria: No?
Vyrn: Huh?
The two exchange confused looks.
Eustace: As for our next move...
Eustace: What's that?
Suspicious of the sudden clamor, Eustace peeks outside the cell.
Vyrn: Eustace! (Captain)!
Vyrn: Ah, you two are together. That's a relief. But we've got more problems! Lyria's in trouble!
Eustace: Just calm down. And move back from the bars.
Vyrn: Uh, okay.
Eustace: Hng!
Eustace smashes the lock with a kick and opens the cell door.
Eustace: We're getting out of here.
Guard 1: Young lady! Give back those weapons! They're dangerous!
Lyria: But we—
Vyrn: Lyria!
Lyria: Oh! Vyrn! You brought them with you! Thank goodness!
Guard 2: Huh? I thought we put you two in the dungeon!
Eustace: Lyria, throw them here!
Eustace calls out to Lyria who has her friends' confiscated weapons in her arms.
Lyria: Catch!
Eustace: Good girl...
Eustace and (Captain) ready their newly returned weapons.
Eustace: Let's do it, (Captain).
Finding Peace in the Din: Scene 4
Eustace interrogates a guard who knows nothing about the auction. A young girl wanders over from the party to ask (Captain) and the others for candy. Eustace hands her the candy he received earlier, seemingly at peace with his mission's end.
Eustace and (Captain) knock out the guards and rescue Lyria.
Vyrn and Lyria then explain the strange conversation they'd had in the nearby hall with a party guest.
Eustace: Is that right? I thought something was off about this.
Eustace gently shakes the guard on the floor to wake him.
Eustace: Wake up. I need to talk to you.
Guard 1: Nghh... Hm?
Eustace: Where are the auction goods?
Guard 1: Auction? What auction?
Eustace: There's no use hiding it.
The guard gulps loudly as he stares down the barrel of Eustace's gun.
Guard 1: Eep... I don't know what you're talking about!
Eustace: Aren't there any vampires here?
Guard 1: Huh? Vampires? You mean people in costumes?
Guard 1: Vampire costumes aren't trendy these days, see... I'm tellin' ya I haven't seen any except you!
Eustace: ...
Eustace: Then tell me about those primal beasts you're appeasing with live sacrifices.
Guard 1: Huh? What are you talking about? What sacrifices? We didn't plan any live entertainment like that!
Vyrn: Hm... Sounds like he's telling the truth.
Eustace: Yeah...
After making sure the guard is out cold, Eustace and the others approach the hall and peek inside.
Lyria: It still looks like an ordinary party.
Vyrn: Hey, do you think this could just be a Halloween party after all?
Eustace: I guess...
Vyrn: Well... mix-ups happen all the time. It's a good thing that nothing worse happened!
Eustace: Right...
There's a hint of Halloween mischief in the air, but the mood inside the hall is one of innocent delight.
???: Hey, mister...
Eustace looks down to find a sweet little girl in costume staring up at him and tugging on his cape.
Eustace: ...
Trick-or-treater: It was kinda scary when your gun went bang-bang, but it was really neat too!
Eustace: Oh yeah?
Trick-or-treater: And uh... um...
Eustace: ...
Trick-or-treater: I mean...
She looks around nervously for a moment, then lets go of his cape and turns to Lyria and (Captain).
Trick-or-treater: Uh... Trick or treat!
Lyria: Oh! Of course! You want some candy.
Lyria: Let's see... I don't have any. Do you, (Captain)?
(Captain) answers with a no.
Lyria: What do we do now?
Trick-or-treater: No treats?
The little girl stands patiently with her palm held out, and Lyria starts to panic a little.
Eustace: All I've got is hard candy.
Eustace places a candy drop in the little girl's palm.
Lyria: Good one, Eustace!
Trick-or-treater: Ooh, wow! Thanks, mister!
The girl runs happily back into the hall, grinning ear-to-ear.
Eustace: Ah... There's peace, but no quiet here.
Eustace sighs as he gazes at the hall, which is buzzing with joyous voices.
Eustace: But peace like this can be a real treat...
(Captain) catches the soft murmurs from Eustace and smiles.