[When the video starts, it is of a closeup of a rather pale yet sharply dressed and handsome face that has been revealed to very few. He looks at the device with his throne towering behind him. And when he speaks, it is a very charismatic baritone, one that seems to echo and soothe all at once, despite the rage boiling beneath the surface.]

Good evening, Genessia. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Vlad Ill Tepes, however most would know me more readily by my nickname, given to me by humans who failed to grasp who and what exactly I am; Dracula.

I have recently found myself in this place, and have opened one of these "gates" talked of in the literature given to us that has provided me access to my other half, the castle that is as much a part of me as my own hand; Castlevania.

I am what you would know as a vampire. And I would like to extend an offer. To all those of inhuman origin, you need not suffer the slings of humans that would persecute you, and will find sanctuary within the walls of Castlevania. Likewise, you humans who have seen the filth and lies spread by others, the cesspool of hatred that permeates your kind, you I offer refuge from humans and the chance to surpass your humanity, to transcend your mortality, and become as gods among ants. Come to the gates of Castlevania and declare your intention, and the gates will be opened to you.

However, I offer this one warning; make sure your resolve is true, and your heart set. Castlevania is very much alive, and like all living things it has blood, blood that will weed out those unworthy to be within its halls.

[Oh look Raye seems angry what a huge shock.]

Let's get one thing straight.

[At least she's getting right to the point.]

Yes, I'm here to answer your questions. But this doesn't give you the right to treat me like a servant, or ignore what I say. When I tell you 'no' I mean it!

[She hefts her broom like an experienced samurai would heft his katana.]

If you trespass where you're not invited, or think you can push me around, I will chase you out. So think carefully before you start acting like a jerk.

[Especially if your names are Azula and Ted.]

[Sun starts the video feed up and he can be seen in the Fayren forest. He’s in a tree surprise surprise and he’s got a crossbow propped up on a branch. It’s loaded with a large tranquilizer dart, because whatever he is hunting he obviously doesn’t want to kill.]

Three hours. I’ve been out here for three hours and the thing that I’m hunting hasn’t shown up yet. I should have brought a book or something. And if you know me, the fact that I said that should probably tell you how bored I am.

[A pause.]

Actually, that’s not true. All books aren’t boring. I actually read this one book that I bought in a sub-archway. After I heard about it, I had to check it out. There is this guy in it, one of the names he goes by is the Monkey King. He’s strong, fast, can transform into animals and objects. He’s a really skilled warrior.

And like I said before, he goes by the name the Monkey King, but his real name? Sun Wukong. The dude actually uses a staff too. You get bonus points if you can guess what his staff is called.

I’m feeling a mix of “this is weird” and “this is cool”. And yes Blake, you can borrow the book.

[It's not a very long post, or even a very interesting one. The boy's voice is not one that people here are probably going to be familiar with, and his tone is unconcerned, verging on bored.]

Did you notice that the sun's wrong?

There was a slight hiss before the lid of the pod slid open and after quite some time the small figure inside finally stirred and rolled over. It wasn't for several more minutes that his situation registered and Taiki squeaked in alarm. Then he wiggled his way to the edge and looked around with large, fearful eyes.

"Sanshi??" Taiki called softly and looked down at his shadow where she normally was. There wasn't even a hint of her presence and it made him even more afraid. Had he gone back to Japan somehow? But there wasn't any lakes like this that he'd ever seen. After a long internal debate the young teen finally stuck what he'd found beside him in his pocket and started wading his way carefully out of the cave. Perhaps he'd be able to see where he was then.