Desmond is our first "Hero of Gaiden," a Belmont warrior whose tale doesn't fit into the functioning storyline and instead exists as a "side story," which is video-game lingo for an alternate reality (which suggests that Konami, or more specifically Koji Igarashi, didn't trust the American team with the task of developing a canon title). Despite this dubious status, his creators were at least kind enough to supply a date and time during which his adventure unfolded--"the late 1600s," which would measure in at a few years before Simon Belmont's legendary escapades and do so without overlap, perhaps serving as hope that Order of Shadows may one day find its way into the main storyline via one of Igarashi's wacky ideas or shocking swerves.

But Desmond and his magically inclined sisters are heroes all the same, and it was apparent that fate had come calling their names when a group labeling itself "The Order" emerged and was threatening to resurrect Count Dracula. The wicked group's leader, Rohan Krause, was also of considerable power and had a long, violent history with the Belmonts, especially Desmond's deceased parents. While his sisters investigated the scene, Desmond infiltrated The Order's mansion, Castlevania, and silenced the beckoning darkness, doing so of his iron will and not motivated by the newfound knowledge that Krause was actually responsible for his parents' death. Desmond struck down the vile cult leader, whose very blood served as the vessel for Dracula's return, much to the hero's dismay. Regardless, the determined Desmond marched forward into the Castle Keep and destroyed the Dark Lord as the Belmonts always had.