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The sun began to set on the European countryside, silhouetting three figures. The lone travelers were Gabriel Van Helsing, Carl the friar, and Shades, the Knight of the Holy Order that had been sent to receive them. Their horses had fled in terror during a storm, and so the trio continued their journey towards Rome on foot.
During this time, Carl noticed that Shades was walking a few paces behind Van Helsing. Slowing his pace, he moved to walk beside her.
"Why are you walking back here?" he asked the girl curiously.
"Oh, no reason," Shades replied, but she was clearly trying to hide a smile.
"I don't believe that for a moment," the friar said, "What's the real reason?"
At that moment, Van Helsing paused, swaying wearily where he stood. Carl hesitated, and Shades stopped dead on the spot. Suddenly, the monster hunter collapsed, his exhaustion finally getting the better of him. Shades, being in such a perfect position, caught him before he hit the ground.
"That," she said to Carl, "is why I'm back here."