"Van Helsing!"

Gabriel and Anna were halfway across the hall when the Cardinal appeared, angry.

"What are you doing with her?" he spat.

"We've got vampire ass to kick," Van Helsing said, slipping a protective arm around her shoulders.

"She's insane, Gabriel. Claiming to be Anna Valerious-"

"She is Anna Valerious," Gabriel snarled.

"Anna Valerious is dead!" the Cardinal shouted.

"The angels sent me back," she said, speaking for the first time, "to save the world."

The Cardinal rolled his eyes. "What do we need saved from?"

"Dracula."

"He's dead," the Cardinal snapped.

"He always was, that's the problem," Anna said coldly.

"Whatever you believe, Carl, Anna and I are going after him," Gabriel said.

The Cardinal looked angry, then he shrugged. "If you believe it to be true, you are a fool, but whatever- go break a leg."

He strode off. Anna and Gabriel hurried off into Carl's lab. Carl was scrubbing his charred counter when they entered.

"Carl," said Anna.

He looked up, and his jaw dropped. "It really is you."

"Yes, it is," she said. "You don't know how nice it is to see you."

Van Helsing felt jealous at this warm greeting, especially when Anna hurried over to Carl and gave him a hug.

"He's back, Carl," said Anna. "Come with us to Transylvania."

Carl paled, but inclined his head. "I'm ready."