You decide to ignore the knocking because you don't know anyone in this country and prefer not to engage with strangers late at night.
The knocking eventually ceases, but next afternoon, you find a Red Velvet Dunkin' donut left at your doorstep along with a note saying, “for the next time.”
[[You throw it in the trash and head out to eat your healthy breakfast at BackWerk->End]]
[[You eat it, thinking about giving this nice stranger a chance this evening->The day after]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/tC5SjpKX/60857ba6-d785-4af6-94d7-76feed76fdde.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay> You approach the door cautiously and call out, "Who's there? What do you want at this hour?"
In a gentle, inviting tone, accented with hints of Eastern Europe, a voice replied, "Hello, neighbor. I am Count D.
It's not late for us night owls, is it? Seeing as we're both far from home, I thought you might enjoy some company.
I’ve brought some sweet treats and a hot beverage to accompany them—would you care for a chat this fine night?"
[[Open the door]]
[["Count D?! I don't know anyone by that name. Plus, I’m a Republican, especially late at night. Thanks, I’ll pass."->Rude]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/k54YXzxk/eb3adf58-05a5-424d-9f24-94ae436c2ef0-1.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
On your way to your favorite restaurant, you are struck by a Flink bike. The rider, clad in an opaque helmet and velvet gloves, quickly flees the scene.
The street, closed for restoration by the municipality two months ago, is deserted.
Grievously injured and alone, you lie helplessly as your life ebbs away on the cold pavement.
[[or->Start]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/SNPJvzgC/71c046a1-64c1-4dfb-9d99-da6498dcabcf.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_82da154348d2471eb6ad977adcec5e09.mp3" autoplay> On your doorstep stands a tall, elegant figure dressed in a dark, neatly tailored suit. A hint of a deep burgundy tie peeks out from under his jacket. He smiles courteously, introducing himself, "Hello, I am Count D. I moved here 20 years ago. Tonight, I brought you coffee and doughnuts. May I join you for a chat?"
[["Please come in, it's nice to meet neighbors who also like to stay up late. And thank you for the treats you brought."->Welcome the stranger]]
[["Thank you for the offer, but I think I'll pass for tonight. Perhaps another time."->Polite pass]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/ZK65VDyt/a4140873-59c1-4167-909c-d1c604e69cb4.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
You lock the door, then head back to the comfort of your couch. As you continue watching your anime, the strange encounter slowly fades from your mind, and eventually, you fall asleep there tell the [[Next day]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay> You find a Red Velvet Dunkin' donut left at your doorstep along with a note saying, “for the next time.”
[[You throw it in the trash and head out to eat your healthy breakfast at BackWerk->End]]
[[You eat it, thinking about giving this nice stranger a chance this evening->The day after]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/tC5SjpKX/60857ba6-d785-4af6-94d7-76feed76fdde.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_e76482a5aa68446caf5054ebb32770da.mp3" autoplay> After enjoying the fluffy and delicious donuts and sipping the reheated coffee on your balcony, you decide to get ready for the evening just in case your mysterious guest returns. You head out to buy some chips and snacks, preparing to offer a warm welcome.
As the clock strikes three, you are suddenly alerted by a knock at the door. Eager and curious, you quickly make your way to the door and [[open->Open the door]] it to see who has come to visit.
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/d16bSrjY/dd746035-3737-447d-8211-b743a7f146fc.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay> You step aside with a genuine smile, opening the door wider to welcome him in.
The Count steps into your living room with elegance, placing the coffee and doughnuts on a small table. You both settle into the cozy nook. You glance at Count D with a curious smile and ask, "D for Dracula, I assume?"
With a twinkle of amusement in his eyes, The Count responds, "Indeed, but I prefer Count D in these modern times. It reflects an adaptation to the present while honoring a long history, much like the subtle art of surviving through centuries."
[["You seem quite adapted to modern customs, such as enjoying coffee. What inspired you to embrace this particular habit?"->Coffee]]
[["It's fascinating to hear about your adaptations over the centuries. But what specifically brought you to the Netherlands? It seems like an interesting choice."->The Netherlands]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
Although curious, you decide to maintain your privacy and keep the interaction brief.
You close and lock the door, then head back to the comfort of your couch. As you continue watching your anime you fall in sleep.
next day you wake up and head out to eat your healthy breakfast at [[BackWerk.->End]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/6qkxdwh2/a93d2aac-5f3c-4654-af58-b727075e7641.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_e76482a5aa68446caf5054ebb32770da.mp3" autoplay> Count D gently sets his cup down, his eyes meeting yours.
"Just like your enjoyment of anime connects you to different cultures and sparks conversations, my love for coffee does something similar. We both, coming from distant places, have found unique ways to engage with new cultures. For you, anime is a window into diverse societies; for me, coffee helps me blend into the daily rhythm of life here. This routine not only makes me feel less like an outsider but also deepens my understanding of the people and their traditions. As the world evolves, I must adapt too, to avoid becoming a relic of a bygone age, disconnected from the current world's pulse. It's fascinating how these small habits—your anime or my coffee—help us fit into new places, showing that our differences aren't as vast as they might seem."
[["You talked about evolving to avoid becoming outdated. Does the term 'prince of darkness' still apply, or has it changed with new times and customs?"->Prince of darkness]]
[["I thought you were European too! Do you ever feel alienated and lonely here? What about your followers or brides? Don’t you have any mountain gypsies to keep you company?"->European D]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
Count D ponders for a moment, then answers:
"It might raise an eyebrow or two, but I’ve found sanctuary in the Netherlands, right in the backyard of my famed adversaries. This land’s pivotal role in the dawn of capitalism makes it an exquisite stage for someone of my… particular disposition. The Netherlands is not just a hub of trade and freedom; it's a playground for the mind, known for its embrace of both the quaint and the avant-garde. Historically, it's been a refuge for the intellectually daring and those crushed by the harsh gears of progress. Its charm and progressive spirit deeply resonate with me, allowing me to weave the old-world mystique with the pulsing rhythm of modern society. Here, I can maintain a discreet presence, all the while engaging in the vibrant dance of capitalism—a perfect blend for a timeless observer like myself."
[["Interesting points, Count. But do practical benefits like easier citizenship and strong social support also influence your choice to settle here?"->Citizenship]]
[["It’s intriguing that you mention Van Helsing. Many believe he was the victor, yet here you are, and he is not. Does this seem logical in today’s context?"->Van Helsing]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
The Count casts a sad look at the Berserk minifigure above the library and answers.
"Indeed, I am European, yet Europe is not monolithic. Despite the fall of walls, directional distinctions remain. My isolation deepens as my followers and brides gravitate towards younger American vampires from the post-WWII era. I also endured significant asset losses during the Soviet era, which reshaped the landscape for many like myself. Even mountain gypsies, once bound by loyalty and fear, now chase modern economic opportunities. Believe me, I am a stranger here. Even if I learned the language, translating my soul remains elusive. No matter how many good friends you have, an inherent brokenness overshadows all interactions. Something is fundamentally broken in this modern world; its pervasive connectivity ironically deepens our solitude. It’s as if the pace and nature of relationships fail to meet deeper needs, reflecting a larger transformation where old certainties are replaced by new, yet unstable, social dynamics."
[[So, despite losing everything, you still uphold your principles, maintain your refined appearance, and speak with such grace. Haven't these tragedies and defeats shattered your sense of self?->Prince of darkness]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
Pausing thoughtfully before responding, his eyes reflecting years of wisdom.
"Balancing one's essence with the necessity of change is akin to walking a tightrope. Over the centuries, I have learned that to survive is to adapt—yet one must hold onto core aspects that define them. For me, this means maintaining certain ancient customs and values that are dear to me, even as I embrace the new. It’s a delicate balance; I selectively integrate new customs that resonate with my principles and enhance my ability to connect with the current age. This way, I evolve yet remain true to my fundamental nature. In every era, I find elements that are timeless, which is a comfort and a tool for survival. I imagine, for you too, finding a way to honor your own heritage while embracing the customs here poses a similar challenge. It’s how we remain connected, not just to our past, but also to the ever-changing present, wouldn't you agree?"
Nodding, appreciating the insight, "Absolutely, it’s a continuous journey of balancing what we carry from our roots with what we learn and absorb in new environments."
[["I see you've adapted well, but you still use the title 'Count.' Why do you choose to keep it?"->The Count]]
[["Preserving a clear and solid heritage is doable, but what about those with fragmented, complex, and mysterious identities like Frankenstein's monster, a figure you likely know well. What heritage does he hold onto?"->Frankenstein's monster]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
Count Dracula pauses, his expression reflecting a blend of nostalgia and contemplation.
"The title 'Count' links me to my past and helps me navigate the present. Although nobility isn't what it once was, aspects like nationality and economic status still define how we're seen and treated today. I keep my title much like you might hold onto your cultural traditions—it gives me a sense of stability and continuity. In a world that constantly changes, it's a way to remember who I am and connect with others on familiar grounds. It's not just about prestige; it's about having a fixed point in my life that helps ground me."
[[I understand you, I do the same. May I ask you what scares you the most?->Fear]]
[[I understand you, I do the same. May I ask you what you hope for most?->Hope]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
The count sets his cup down with a soft clink against the saucer, the sound cutting through the room's silence.
"It is true that there are enticing benefits here that might attract someone like me, seeking refuge. However, the challenges are not insignificant—high taxes, costly transportation, and a plethora of stringent regulations. This country has a well-established social and class structure, much like other developed nations, where the touted advantages come with a strict adherence to authority and a static, regulated way of life. Believe me," he chuckles dryly, "the mention of 'belasting' strikes more terror and frustration in the hearts of the people here than my name ever could. Thus, those who hunt monsters do not seek me; they are too preoccupied with surviving amidst constant inflation, mounting grocery bills, and rigorous academic evaluations of their children. The so-called peace of this land comes at its own price, making it an unlikely haunt for those still charmed by tales of darkness and fear."
[["So, it sounds like you're suggesting that there are other kinds of 'monsters' here, hidden among the day-to-day struggles of ordinary life."->Monters]]
[["Speaking of monster hunters, as you walk the streets that once harbored your opponent who defeated you, do you consider yourself the victor now because you have outlasted him in his own homeland?"->Van Helsing]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
The Count answers after taking a long sigh, in a voice tinged with sadness.
"Ah, the irony of our fabled conflict. Many hail Van Helsing as the victor, the champion of enlightenment and progress against my dark, ancient forces. Yet, consider the reality: both of us might be seen as relics of a bygone time, shadows fading in the light of the modern world. But while Van Helsing's methods belong to an era that believed in clear-cut battles and decisive victories, the darkness he fought against has not been vanquished but has merely changed form and spread. Today, the world wrestles not with mythical beasts but with its own complex, shadowy realities—environmental degradation, inequality, pervasive surveillance. In this sense, we both might be viewed as losers; him to time, and I to the realization that the darkness I once epitomized has engulfed the world in subtler, more insidious ways. It is a bittersweet truth that while he seems to have conquered me, the ideals he stood for struggle to find their place in today's nuanced narrative of progress and decay."
[["You acknowledge that both of you were defeated, and that a new darkness has prevailed. Yet, you continue to hold onto the title of Count. Is this driven by nostalgia, pride, or something else?"->The Count]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/XqgGDVsh/cf5f5c0b-a06b-4c95-89ad-e853771f4b5e.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
Count D answers, his voice smooth yet tinged with a somber gravity.
"Indeed, the term 'monster' can take many forms beyond the supernatural, manifesting not only in the shadows but in the glaring light of day through the relentless pressures of modern life. Tax systems, social expectations, and relentless bureaucracy stand as true beasts that prey upon the spirit of individuals, demanding conformity and eroding individuality, creating a landscape where many feel as alienated and hunted as any creature of the night. Beyond these, we also face modern terrors such as artificial intelligence poised to rule the Earth, the shadow of nuclear war, annihilating epidemics, and ideological mines within communities advocating racial purity and civilizational clashes—horrors sponsored by governments and zealots alike. These chilling realities render humans both terrifying and profoundly fragile, navigating a world filled with monsters of both old and new make, where traditional monstrosity and contemporary existential threats blur, revealing a deeper horror embedded in the very organization of our societies and the actions of its inhabitants."
[["Despite your integration into the modern world and awareness of its horrors, you still use the title of Count. Is this driven by nostalgia or is it a matter of pride?"->The Count]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/nhYNLNCk/4653a8a7-9c1c-4fe5-9b6a-7a6acf0092f4.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
The Count crosses his arms and answers thoughtfully:
"Ah, the creature fashioned by Frankenstein's hands represents an intriguing paradox when we discuss heritage. Unlike myself, who clings to a title from a bygone aristocracy, this creature has no lineage to claim nor a past to look upon with either fondness or regret. His existence is stitched together from disparate origins, each piece carrying a history not of his own making. He is a mosaic of anonymity, without a singular heritage to root in or rebel against. In this, his struggle is not for the preservation of identity, but the quest to forge one in the absence of legacy. It's a profound isolation, more piercing perhaps than any I have encountered. Where I battle the loneliness of eternity, he grapples with the existential void of having no beginning. His heritage is the human condition in its rawest form—creation without creator’s benevolence, existence without predetermined purpose."
[["You've mentioned the monster's profound isolation. Have you met him in your travels? What are interactions like between beings like you?"->Meeting]]
[["Without a natural lineage and facing rejection, should the monster seek vengeance from this world or search for peace and acceptance?"->Vengeance]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/0QZ4CSpJ/3c46e0af-7fcf-4ba5-afc5-baaa37e8034b.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
The Count stared at the sky, which was slowly becoming brighter, with a mixture of sorrow and horror in his eyes.
"In my ceaseless wanderings, I have indeed crossed paths with him.
Our encounters are poignant, a meeting of two souls eternally outcast from the human sphere. Where I navigate the shadows with the cunning of centuries and Prestige, he trudges through his loneliness with the raw, unfiltered emotion of a being scorned from creation.
Our interactions are less about camaraderie and more about the shared understanding of our fates. He, cobbled from the discarded, seeks purpose in a world that recoils from his very presence; I, a relic of old horrors, find kinship in his eternal search for belonging.
It's a silent pact between us, marked not by words but by the recognition of our mutual estrangement from the world that created yet despises us. Although we appear different, the world views us the same—unwanted outsiders. No matter how we attempt to temper our inherent 'brutality,' which, by the way, arose as a reaction to the injustices inflicted upon us, we remain pariahs in the eyes of those we wish to join."
[["Without a natural lineage and facing rejection, should the monster seek vengeance from this world or search for peace and acceptance?"->Vengeance]]
[["You show Genuine sympathy for the less fortunate despite your own status, yet you continue to use the title of Count. Is this driven by nostalgia, pride, or perhaps something else?"->The Count]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/kXq0Pjpd/DALL-E-2024-02-24-15-02-33-In-the-intense-chaotic-environment-of-an-industrial-steel-factory-ami.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
Dracula pauses thoughtfully before responding:
"This creature often makes us question whether to choose revenge or seek peace. He's not just a symbol of personal anguish; he represents the larger struggles faced by those marginalized as the world changes around them, much like many of us. His desire for revenge is a natural response to constant rejection and societal pressure to conform. Yet, his story also presents a possibility for change, suggesting that seeking peace might be a better path than perpetuating the cycle of violence that brought him into being.
It makes one wonder, are monsters truly born, or are they shaped by the society around them?
On another note, his situation is quite different from those with a well-defined past. He's composed of bits and pieces, lacking any true lineage. His existence is a continual effort to forge an identity in a world that views him as an oddity.
My friend doesn't battle for a lost past; he's trying to understand what it means to simply exist in a world where he has no roots. And perhaps, he's striving to create a better future where he doesn't see himself as a monster, even before others do."
[["You've mentioned the monster's profound isolation. Have you met him in your travels? What are interactions like between beings like you?"->Meeting]]
[["You show Genuine sympathy for the less fortunate despite your own status, yet you continue to use the title of Count. Is this driven by nostalgia, pride, or perhaps something else?"->The Count]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
The Count replays:
"Throughout my long life, what terrifies me most is not the stake or the sunlight—it's obsolescence. The fear of becoming irrelevant in a world that moves faster than the centuries I've traversed. Each era brings new challenges and fears, from the technological to the existential, and staying significant, staying connected to the ever-changing human experience without losing myself to time, is my greatest concern."
As the first light of dawn begins to tint the horizon, Count Dracula stands, his figure casting a long shadow in the dim light of your living room. He adjusts his coat, preparing to leave, but not before turning to you with a courteous nod.
"Thank you for the enlightening conversation this evening," he says, his voice tinged with the weight of centuries. "I would be honored to continue our discussions and deepen our acquaintance. May we meet again soon?"
[["It would be my pleasure, Count. Safe travels, and I look forward to our next meeting."->Good bey]]
[["It would be my pleasure, Count. But first, I want to give you a gift as a token of appreciation for tonight's conversation."->The Human End]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
The Count replays
"As for my hopes, they are simple yet profound. I wish for understanding—an acceptance not of the monster or the myth, but of the being beneath. I yearn for a world where the differences that define us, like my title or the peculiarities of my existence, are seen not as barriers but as bridges. A world where one can exist in peace, appreciated if not for contribution, then for the mere fact of being. It is a hope for connection in a disconnected age, a thread of common humanity that binds us all, despite our varied pasts and disparate futures."
As the first light of dawn begins to tint the horizon, Count Dracula stands, his figure casting a long shadow in the dim light of your living room. He adjusts his coat, preparing to leave, but not before turning to you with a courteous nod.
"Thank you for the enlightening conversation this evening," he says, his voice tinged with the weight of centuries. "I would be honored to continue our discussions and deepen our acquaintance. May we meet again soon?"
[["It would be my pleasure, Count. Safe travels, and I look forward to our next meeting."->Good bey]]
[["It would be my pleasure, Count. But first, I want to give you a gift as a token of appreciation for tonight's conversation."->The Human End]]
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>
"It's been a truly remarkable night, Count," you say, extending your hand. "I've learned a great deal and look forward to our next meeting with much anticipation."
"Indeed, it has been most enlightening," Dracula replies, his hand cold but firm in yours. His eyes, ageless and deep, reflect a sincere appreciation. "I shall cherish our discussions until we meet again."
With a final nod, he turns towards the door, his figure receding into the dim light as he steps into the early morning mist. The door closes softly behind him, leaving you with a sense of connection to a past as deep and vast as the night sky.
You head to your room, the conversations echoing in your mind as you drift into a deep, hopeful sleep. Awakening refreshed the next day, you feel invigorated and full of anticipation for the future. With a sense of new beginnings, you head out to grab [[a coffee and some donuts->End]], carrying with you the inspiration and the subtle thrill of your nocturnal encounter.
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/vZJj3MCb/a2cbef80-c568-49da-a547-f53014837b1c.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_4165b789571047ebb0bbbf2d3f10310a.mp3" autoplay>
You head to your library and pull a seemingly ordinary book titled "Signs Taken For Wonders" from the shelf. As you walk back towards the Count, you speak with a calm intensity, "This book marked a turning point for me, and I believe it will do the same for you."
Opening the book, you reveal not pages, but a hidden compartment from which you draw a wooden stake. With swift resolve, you drive the stake into the Count's heart, declaring, "The true horror in this world is our ability as humans to choose cruelty over beauty."
As the Count gasps in shock, his voice trembling with betrayal, he tries to speak. But you cut him off, coldly stating, "I buried him two weeks ago, and I kept his Bolts fangs, just as I will keep your fangs."
You return to your chair, the Count dissolving into mist before your eyes. With the final bite of your doughnut, you murmur to the empty room, "A lovely night indeed."
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/SsQ9hbCM/9f354ba7-8a28-444e-abf7-3fcac23cfdb2.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_1c1f574ac687498ca3de43a8d87706c9.mp3" autoplay>
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_5d03dfe7f49a4f30bf983fdb29f5f19e.mp3" autoplay>
On a typical Friday night, It's 3:00 AM, and you're at home in Leiden, immersed in an anime marathon. Suddenly, unexpected knocks interrupt your peaceful night.
[[Get up and open the Door->Open the door]]
[[Don't open but ask who is knocking through the Door->Middle act]]
[[Ignore the Knocking]]
<img src="https://i.postimg.cc/jSfSzcJD/eac44f41-b7db-41fb-8c4c-0576be65da73.webp">
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_81b186765d384c038cacbb0302bf8c99.mp3" autoplay>
<audio src="https://static.wixstatic.com/mp3/1c0195_d048f1b89e1e46d1be98c1244dcf4836.mp3" autoplay>