Start the journey.

The entire party gathers in the courtyard just outside of the front door--even Peony, who insists on standing beside you. The girls line up, and everybody's dressed and ready to go. Bags are filled with supplies behind you which were assembled by the team after breakfast. Everybody knows the reason for being here, but it's time to clarify the plan of action. They look to you as a leader, even if they rarely listen anyway, so you need to do your best to give instructions... and make them clear.

"Peony? I want you to stay here and guard the outside of Dragonhide Manor as usual," you explain. "We can't bring everybody. There needs to be enough people here just in case more vampires show up, so Yin, I want you to look after the house too. Delphi, try to stay out of trouble, and keep these girls safe."

Delphi salutes. "Don't worry. Only I'm allowed to touch them. No vampire will get even a hair on their heads."

"I need you behind as well Snow. Not just to keep everyone safe like you did with me last night, but to keep scouting for others. If Dajy or Vivi show up, send them our way if you can. We could use the backup."

"I will," Snow replies.

"It's going to be me, Niki, Amara, Eva, and Alice travelling to this supposed small castle to the south east. According to my map, there's a small town around where this place is supposed to be, so we can rest there. I just wonder if they even know they live that close to the Vampire Queen."

"Me?" Alice points to herself in surprise. She still wears her brand new, frilly adventurer's garb of a puffy top and a short skirt with tall green boots.

"You don't want to come, Alice?"

She rubs her arm nervously. "Of course I will come if you need me. I was just surprised."

"Don't count yourself out so easily, Alice. You saved us from that big monster, and who knows what else you can do? Plus, you can really break in that new cute outfit you got in the big city."

"Cute?" she replies quietly.

"All right. It'll probably take more than a few days of boring travel to get there, but this needs to be done. To everyone staying behind, please be safe."

"You be safe too, guys," Snow says. "Use that holy water wisely."

"That's why I'm the one holding onto it. Are you all ready? This is the most serious quest we've had to go on yet."

"You know you had me at quest," Niki says with a grin. "Let's take this bitch down."