[Action for Genessia and Everglade]

[what_is_a_man]

It was about noon, and everything seemed normal for the most part. However, there seemed to be an unusual amount of bats hanging around the buildings during the day in the main city. The Bay was another story as a rather angry vampire lord awoke. As he rose from the pod, he could still feel his castle's presence within the realm, so that was of minor comfort. Still, the indignity of being separated from it, even for a short time was not something he could simply ignore.

The increased bat activity seemed to grow as the bats became more vocal and agitated as the minutes went on until finally The Bay virtually exploded with a cloud of the shrieking flying rodents. They swarmed high in the air, in numbers enough to cast a rather sizable shadow on the ground, and at the center of that shadow stood Dracula, flames occasionally jumping from his eyes. He glided over the ground with a rather singular purpose, giving no thought or regard to anyone in his way, or traffic he disrupted. The cloud of angry bats would follow him on his march, one or two swooping down to intercept any car or civilian that got too close to their lord. However, once he reached the Everglade gateway, the bats dispersed, shrieking back to whatever holes they'd been summoned from.

Once in Everglade, a massive Skeleton that was missing its lower half would be dragging itself alongside Vlad, a bony hand hovering over the vampire to shield him from the sun. As he walked, more and more nightmare creatures began to materialize from the shadows forming quite the entourage until the streets themselves were packed with werewolves, demons, and the undead, all marching proudly alongside the King of Monsters.

Vlad's procession only stopped when they reached the gates of Castlevania, as the eternal night that shrouded the castle extinguished the sun, all that followed him to that point fell to a knee as best they could, remaining at the gates as Vlad entered his domain. Only then did the flames at his eyes subside as he sighed a sigh of relief. Once more, he was whole. And it was very clear that he had work to do to properly remind Genessia as a whole just what happens to those who cross the Demon Emperor Dracula.

[OOC: Anyone is more than welcome to attempt to break up the procession, or start conversation at any point in the trip to Everglade, however Dracula is going to be more focused on getting back to his castle than anything, traveling primarily in mist form to dissuade combat.]

Comments

[singinghuntress]

[Rip had been trying to sleep when she felt something jolt her awake around noon. There was something she had to go see.. something she couldn't resist as she got dressed and grabbed her umbrella to head out the door.

She followed the sensation across the city, noting the clouds of bats as she trailed behind until they got to the Everglade.Then she got to witness.. a night parade? She hesitated a moment as monsters and nightmare creatures started to follow who she undeniably recognized as Dracula. After a few more moments she joined the entourage along with the other creatures of the night and made her way through it until she wasn't far from him. When others dropped to their knees as he stood before the gates, she remained standing and very soon wasn't far behind him when he entered his domain.

"Velcome back Fazher. You've been missed."

[what_is_a_man]

[Vlad had noticed Rip slipping into the ranks of the army following him, and had instructed the army to make way for her and she found no obstacles to joining him. Even so as they stood in Castlevania, Vlad seemed distracted, taking stock of the castle as he moved through it, though he did motion for Rip to join him.]

How long have I been gone that there has been time to miss me?

[singinghuntress]

[With the eternal night of his domain, Rip didn't need her umbrella anymore and closed it, instead leaning against it briefly as she studied him for a few moments. Somehow, she doubted he'd like her answer.]

A month. Zhe castle has been begrudgingly under Soma's control since zhen und behafing like a petulant child.

[She'll admit, she finds that slightly amusing.]

It vas even attacking Sayuka until zhere vas a.. family meeting. It haz left myself und my sisters alone. Beyond zhat, ve haf seen zhe arrival of at least two dhampires, anozher vampire, vith zhe latest arrival happening last night.

[She grins a little. That one, she's going to let him discover on his own.]

You also missed a possessed doll infestation in Everglade. Zhey vere annoying und a pain in zhe ass to kill.

[what_is_a_man]

[There's actually a sigh of relief when he hears it's only been a month. He's so used to sleeping like that for a century at a time.]

That makes sense. The castle is a creature of chaos and craves a master to sit at its throne. And though he possesses a part of my soul, Soma rejects the chaos this castle embraces. Without a hand to guide that chaos, it lashes out like a beast at any and all.

[He reaches out and places a hand on a nearby wall, and a good chunk of the remaining tension in the air seems to dissipate, even though a good chunk of it had already lifted simply by Vlad being there.]

It would also seem that the Puppet Master has been acting on his own as well. I apologize if anything has caused you girls any problems.

[Not Sakuya though. If she's gonna be a human in Castlevania, she's gotta be ready to put up with its shit.]

[singinghuntress]

[If it had been a century, chances are things would have been a lot worse. As it is, even now Rip can feel the tension that had been heavy in the air start to dissipate with his arrival.]

Of course it vould. Chaos iz something to embrace und I never understood vhy some don't.

[Shrug. She definitely did, even if she was trying to control her more chaotic nature now a days for the sake of others.]

Zo far, nothing az bothered me in my visits since you disappeared. I cannot speak for zhe ozhers in zhat regard.

[Somehow, she just knew that Sakuya wasn't going to get an apology.]

But, I am curious to know vat you experienced back home und vat you plan to do now zhat you're back, Fazher. Ozher zhan zhe doll issue, it's been quiet lately.

Zhe rest of zhe cities are preparing for Halloween und zhere vill be a musical put on sometime in zhe next month, Zhe Phantom of Zhe Opera. My Augustine iz in one of zhe leads und I plan on attenting.

I vasn't sure if zhat vas something zhat might appeal to you.

[notquitedracula]

[Awaiting him inside the great hall is a familiar figure in white. He looks... well, to be frank he looks frazzled. He hasn't slept much the past month, to say the least.]

Okaeri nasai, Vlad. Please take your castle back before it drives me completely insane.

[The castle has, of course, already gone back over to Vlad's control fully - this is entirely for show, and Vlad most likely knows that.]

[what_is_a_man]

[While Vlad was fluent in many European languages, the Eastern tongues were far more elusive to him. That said, he is glad to simply walk past Soma on his way to the throne, ignoring the phrase for now.]

Sanity is a relative state. One you judge yourself far too kindly in compared to reality.

[notquitedracula]

The rest of the world is sane, and I'm the only crazy person. I pretty much figured that out three years ago, when all this first started for me. [Soma shakes his head, weary enough to be completely candid but not so much as to enjoy it.]

You need to know two things, Vlad. First, your son is back, and he doesn't remember his previous time here. Second... Trevor Belmont is also here. I'm not telling you this for your own sake - you've dealt with the Belmont clan long enough to figure out how things are likely to progress from here. But Remilia, Flandre, and Rip haven't. They don't know what kind of danger just walked into their lives. Be careful. Children need their father.

[what_is_a_man]

[Vlad was about to lecture Soma on the insanity of the human condition, but that news gave him pause, freezing him in his tracks. He'd felt Vampire Killer's presence but was unsure of just who held it.]

Adrian and Trevor Belmont. [He was quiet for a moment before continuing.] Both could be dangerous on their own - Adrian moreso - but together they pose a singular threat. Hopefully, Adrian can be reasoned with to at least keep our spat between him and me... Belmont however...

[He shakes his head, flexing a hand and flashing the claw like fingernails.]

It has been 400 years since I crossed paths with Trevor Belmont, and I have learned much in that time, learning from his progeny, and their progeny. Should the Belmont cause trouble, he will find a foe far more capable than last we crossed blades.

[notquitedracula]

Adrian is willing to let matters rest for now, if you agree not to pursue your vendetta here. I am fully aware how unlikely that is, but the message has been passed. Trevor, on the other hand... I am uncertain of his intentions. He did not attack me on sight, so at least he has some forbearance, but I'm not a vampire in full, like the rest of you. It's possible he didn't consider me a threat, at the time.

[A short pause, before he adds:]

I've also apparently taken Gandolfi's role. Cassian Lynch has departed, and with him gone, his shop falls to me. I've hired two... very interesting individuals, thus far.

[...Why is he telling Vlad about his personal affairs, again?]

[scarlet_devil]

[ Remilia for her part, simply followed and was prepared to intervene if any of this... western Hyakki Yagyō decided to cause trouble.

...Naturally, she too ends up at the castle gates herself. ]

I must say, I didn't expect you to return to Castlevania so soon.

[what_is_a_man]

[Vlad does not turn to face Remilia just yet, instead simply surveying the castle grounds.]

Wherever my castle is, there I too will be. I'm a part of it, and it a part of me. No force in this world, or any other can separate us.

[scarlet_devil]

You were missed... and not just by the castle.

[ She expects Flandre to turn up soon. ]

[what_is_a_man]

[A hand comes to rest on Remilia's shoulder. Vlad was never the most affectionate of people, even with Lisa, so the gesture should carry some weight, even as small as it was.]

I am pleased to see you well, Remilia. I trust your sister is alright as well?

[prismaticdestruction]

[Flandre had been napping because of how tired she was from being so upset. Between losing Vlad, the Castle acting as it was and then the dolls tricking her. Sleep could not be avoided. But the change in the air disturbed that sleep and caused Flandre to go wandering through the halls, rubbing at her eyes.

It takes a bit but there she stands, staring at Vlad sleepily and unsure if she was seeing things. After a yawn and rubbing her eyes a bit more she at least calls out, to make sure.]

Dad...?

[what_is_a_man]

[Vlad stops his march toward the throne when he hears the small voice, turning and offering Flandre what could only subjectively be called a reassuring smile. ...He's trying at least. Remilia and Rip were strong, but Flandre had always been more timid, despite the power she harbored.]

Hello Flandre. I did not mean to wake you.

[prismaticdestruction]

[Those sleepy scarlet eyes light up. Any thoughts of going back to bed nor of this being a illusion have been banished. The little vampire smiles brightly before heading to Vlad's side. No hugs yet but they are inevitable with the childish mindset.]

It's okay...I should be getting up anyways. Besides...you are back, I should at least greet you.

[Some lessons of being a lady stuck apparently.]

[what_is_a_man]

[That gets a small smile from Vlad as he reaches out and places a hand on the small vampire's head.]

I'm honored to hear as such. Have been well in my absence?

[genessia]

[im_gonna_heal_u]

She was taking a small break in Genessia. As much as Fayren is the hub for her business and her adventures, she still has a soft spot for Genessia City's modern takes. As far as she knows, it's a calm day, and at noon she doesn't expect anything unusual.

...and all of a sudden, there's a bat shrieking right by her. And then another. And then *several*. She doesn't even think as she sends up a protective barrier and uses her Pokeball to unleash Yuunagi. The Umbreon can sense her owner's tension and is already growling as the mass of bats turn into a procession. She uses her barriers to deflect the bats that attack a citizen, but also pulls another one out of the way just as she sees the mass of bats, forming a modern day Hyakki Yagyo right in front of her eyes.

And said eyes widen when she recognizes the shape in the center.

"Lord Dracula...?!"

[genessia]

[what_is_a_man]

Vlad heard the declaration and glanced in Konoka's direction, giving her an icy glance, but made no move to stop or converse. The only reason the bats seemed to leave her alone for the most part was because of her time spent in the castle, even if she was enthralled. The Umbreon, however, was a different story. The growl warranted a glare from gleaming crimson eyes, with all the weight of a vampiric domination spell behind it, compelling it to cower. He wasn't sure if it would work on the creature, but it was worth a shot to test the waters either way.

[genessia]

[im_gonna_heal_u]

On the one hand, he still doesn't like her, as to be expected. She wondered if he'd come from the docks, and thus given his reaction he remembered her.

And with the bats not bothering her? It seemed Pidonus's old blessing had not yet gone away like she thought. Of course, she figured it was conditional on not fighting him, and she was not interested in starting.

Dracula's Mean Look Scary Face glare, however, startles Yunnagi. Not quite making her cower so much as scamper back and stop her growling. It instead kept its protective stance closer to Konoka.

"A simple 'buzz off' would have sufficed!" Konoka called out to Dracula while she gave Yuunagi a comforting pet. She kept her eyes on the bats to make sure they didn't bother any innocent passerby, but she was staying the hell out of the way with Dracula.

Genessia

[immortalrose]

[The influx of bats here in Genessia City honestly heralded the chaos to come. Augustine wasn't too far from the Bay when the Lord of Shadows emerges. The dhampir keeps his distance as he watches this mock procession from the balcony of his apartment. This is the first time he seen Dracula outside of Everglade and it's quite unsettling. While every fiber in his being tells him to keep away, Augustine can't help but be drawn by this spectacle like moth to a flame.

So he tossed caution to the wind and flows incognito as a brightly colored moth. Augustine doesn't want to give away his presence just yet, so he follows in this form for now. Hopefully those pesky bats aren't feeling peckish.]

Re: Genessia

[what_is_a_man]

[The bats didn't take kindly to the moth entering their ranks at first, but after a few dives they began to at least ignore the moth. However, that didn't mean Augustine went unnoticed.]

Is it bravery or foolishness that causes one to attempt to slip unnoticed into a cloud of someone's soul? The bats' eyes are my eyes, moth. I would suggest you drop your facades lest you be devoured whole.

[Even as he spoke, he did not turn to look at the moth as it followed. It was enough to let whoever was following him know that it's very difficult to sneak up on a being with a million eyes.]

[immortalrose]

[The colorful moth is too nimble and quick for those slow overgrown bats. It easily avoids them with its speed alone until they've given up. Its then that this little moth perches itself upon a nearby ledge so it could catch its breath. He figured that the Lord of Shadows could sense his presence. After all, this is indeed Dracula were talking about.]

I call it a little bit of both. [The cheeky moth replied using the same odd telepathic ability as the Count himself.] Though, I suppose its quite rude of me not to introduce myself properly. It's been quite some time since we last spoke.

[In just a flash, the moth vanished in a hail of blinding red light, now replaced with a man. Well, one would suspect that is a man. Augustine is quite an effeminate fellow.]

What brought you back here to Genessia, Lord of Shadows?

[what_is_a_man]

[There's the smallest of judgmental glances at the lack of facial hair on Augustine. Vampires were supposed to be suave, yes, but no facial hair just did not sit well with the Vampire Lord.]

It was not by my hand that I am once again walking these streets. I can only assume whatever force binds us here either had more reason to torment me, or whatever purpose I serve here has not yet been fulfilled.