Eva sat in her chair at breakfast the next morning drinking her ration of blood as casually as if it were a glass of tomato juice. She hated the taste of this particular priest's blood as much as she detested tomato juice. The red liquids kind of had the same flavor as a matter of fact. Tangy, salty, acidic - she grimaced. She avoided eye contact with Rio Satomi at all costs, despite having full knowledge that it was not him who had attempted to seduce her in the church last night. Temptation had come so close to dissolving her self-control. She had almost given in to the mesmerizing vampire and that filled her with stomach churning guilt. Thankfully, Alucard had given himself away in his uncharacteristic desperation to make her cave in. Sliding a furtive glance across the table at Father Anderson, she smiled while gazing at him through her lashes. She did not regret telling him that she loved him, although he had not said it back to her. Once she finished the glass of blood, she stood up to excuse herself. The sulfurous smell of the scrambled eggs mixed with the smoky scent of the cooked pieces of pig was beginning to make her feel a bit ill. Once these smells had been an absolute delight to her at breakfast time. Not so anymore.

"If you gentlemen will please excuse me, I have morning practice to get to," she announced, curtseying slightly before attempting to leave.

"Please sit down, Eva," Rio ordered her in his typical gentle manner that made it sound like a friendly request. "There is something important that we need to discuss."

"But, Sir, I - " Her protest ended abruptly when Father Montalvan materialized in front of her. She had learned that the stealthy man was a force to be reckoned with and feared. She had not actually been in a hurry to get to training anyway, just out of this room. Between the overwhelming nausea, crushing guilt, and aching yearning, she desperately needed escape from the factors causing these strong feelings to well inside of her.

"There will be no training exercises this morning, Eva," Father Montalvan told her, taking her by the arm to lead her back to the table. He pulled out her chair for her, signaling for her to take a seat without saying a word. After sitting in the chair next to hers, he said, "We need to talk."

Father Montalvan was the priest in charge of training her. Although he did not look like much, being in his fifties with a skinny body and a kind countenance, he seemed benign and powerless. When he was in fight mode, he transformed into a completely different man. Full of lean muscle and skilled in at least four styles of martial arts, he was a human killing machine on two legs. He could use nearly any weapon known to man, and some weapons unknown to man because they had been made in Iscariot's lab. He had taught her how to use several weapons that had been specifically designed for her. The latest addition to her collection was an odd weapon that looked like two small incense burners that had been attached to each end of a chain. The burners could be filled with special incense laced with herbs having different properties to use against specific supernatural beings. Used somewhat like a bola, she could spin the individual burners to throw at an enemy to either hit them or stab them with the heavy brass objects. The burners themselves appeared innocuous enough, looking just like plain old incense burners used in masses. They were round with decoratively shaped holes cut into the sides to release the smoke of the incense. There was also a cross at the bottom that appeared to be for aesthetic purposes but it was actually meant to used like a knife. The cross could be used to stab the intended foe, then pulled back to be thrown again and again to continuously stab the opponent while she stayed well out of reach. When not in use, the chain was to be looped around her neck with the small burners left to dangle on the ends like huge charms on a necklace. Montalvan had taught her how to defend herself, not just attack. He had enabled her to fend off attacks in several different disadvantageous positions such as lying flat on her back or while being held down on her belly by her attacker. He had made it part of his mission personally, and not just as her trainer, that she survive to fight another day after going into each battle.

"Eva, you're about to embark upon your first assignment for the church," Satomi announced, keeping his eyes on her. He wondered why she kept avoiding looking at him. She did not say anything or move one muscle after he told her the big announcement. He did not expect her to be overjoyed that she was about to undertake her first assignment but some kind of reaction would have been nice. Instead of reacting in any form, whether positive or negative, she passively sat there, staring at her hands that were folded in her lap. "Did you hear what I said?"

"I heard you," she snapped unintentionally, raising her head to look at him finally. "I'm sorry, Master Satomi. I did not sleep well last night." She quickly lowered her eyes again when his blue irises made contact with hers. "What is my mission?"

"You will be going to London, England," he began, noticing her head popped back up instantly. Her eyes were big and round as if something had frightened her.

"But that's where Alucard is located. Is it a good idea to put her so close to him on her first mission?" Father Anderson inquired, keeping his eyes on her as she stared at Satomi with her shock widened eyes.

"There is a rampant evil that needs to be stopped no matter where it's located. She would have to face Alucard sooner or later," Satomi said unsympathetically, rising from his chair. He moved to stand behind her chair. "However, Alucard is not her assignment at the moment."

"That doesn't mean he will stay away from her," Anderson returned, keeping the agitation he felt from seeping into his voice. He wondered how Satomi could be so naive. His eyes glued themselves to Satomi's hand as he raised it to touch Eva.

Eva held her breath, jumping when Rio Satomi's hand softly touched her shoulder. She closed her eyes, taking deep measured breaths as his fingers spread out over her skin that was bared by the strapless sundress she was wearing. The day had begun hot with an oppressive humidity. The heat was getting worse indoors as well.

Father Anderson watched Satomi's fingers as they brushed across the scar from where Alucard had bitten her the very first time. His lips pressed together angrily as Satomi kept his hand on Eva as if purposely torturing her.

"The man we are going after is the Earl of Trancy.* We were informed of his actions by the priest in charge of the orphanage in London. The Earl began frequenting the orphanage, adopting several of the boys over the last year. This seemed to be a good thing at first. Then, through the rumor mill of the city, reports began getting back to Father Westbridge that the Earl was abusing the boys, beating them and using them as sex slaves. He had even been known to lend the children to friends for salacious purposes at parties held at his mansion," Satomi informed them as unemotionally as possible. The whole revolting situation made his stomach turn. He could feel Eva's body shaking under his hand.

"Al - uh, Father Anderson," she spoke, her voice weak and raspy. She was fighting back the impulse to vomit after hearing the details of the man they were going to be dealing with. She would happily kill him to save those boys and keep him from hurting any others. Death was too lenient of a punishment for the Earl. "May I have a glass of water, please?" she requested, looking at Father Anderson.

Father Anderson stood up, his chair making a scraping sound across the hardwood planks that set their teeth on edge. He went to the buffet table where the food was laid out, retrieving her a glass then filling it with the crystal clear water from the pitcher. Confidently elbowing Satomi out of the way, he squatted down by Eva's chair to guide the glass of water to her lips. He smiled at her as a means to comfort her when her cold, trembling hands pressed against his to hold the glass steady at her mouth.

"You can have the day off today to spend as you wish, Eva," Satomi told her, walking over to stand at the window to look outside. "Do you have anything particular in mind that you would like to do?"

"Not really. At the moment, I would prefer to go back to the house and rest," she answered Rio before giving her attention to the priest who was still close to her. "Would you walk me back home?"

"Of course I will," he replied, taking her by the hand as he stood up.

"Father, don't neglect your duties at the orphanage today," Satomi called to Anderson as they were leaving. "Eva, please rest. Tomorrow will be a long day for you."

"Yes, Cardinal," she responded dutifully.

"Before you go," Satomi added just as she crossed the threshold of the door.

"Oh, dear God, please help me have patience," Eva prayed under her breath before turning to look at him. He was walking toward her with a big box in his arms. She took the large box, having some difficulty with its cumbersome size though it really wasn't heavy.

Father Anderson noticed her struggling with the gift, taking the box from her to easily tuck it under one arm while still holding her hand. "Will there be anything else, Satomi?"

"No. I apologize for detaining the two of you. I know there are things you must do to prepare to leave. Good day," he said calmly, returning to his place at the window to look over the grounds.

The chagrined expression on Rio Satomi's face made it apparent that he was aware of the prospect he was somehow losing control over his two charges. He had suspected Anderson of possibly rebelling at some point, but now he saw that potential in Eva. If they ever did decide to leave him, he would willingly let them go. A phantom smile lingered over his lips as he watched them cross the yard below, walking hand in hand. He wondered if they knew they loved each other yet. Eva had made little effort to hide her feelings for the priest who had given her new life and protected that life with everything inside of him. Although Anderson concealed his emotions much better, they burned brighter than a neon sign when hovered over her protectively or tended to her needs like a doting husband. Despite his deep feelings, Rio seriously doubted Father Anderson would forsake his first love, the Catholic Church. Poor Eva. Her love would never be completely returned.

Inside the bungalow, Father Anderson stood next to Eva as she opened the gift from Satomi. Inside was her official uniform as a Soldier of God along with her weapons that had been designed specifically for her. In addition to the incense bola, there was a broad sword with a white leather scabbard that strapped to her back and a small pistol whose bullets contained Holy Water. These weapons were intended to be used on supernatural beings, however, they would be equally effective on perverted humans as well. Her garment was a white cassock trimmed in gold that was split up to her hips. There were matching white shorts to wear underneath to maintain her modesty. Knee high white leather boots completed her uniform. Alexander's face grew red when he fantasized about how she would look in the uniform. Somewhere along the way, his train of thought derailed at the part where she was wearing nothing but the boots and a white satin bra and panties set. Clearing his throat, he decided it was time for him to go. If he stayed close to her much longer, there might be trouble for the both of them.

"I'll be back later. Please rest and don't worry. You'll be fine. I'll be right beside you," he told her as he was leaving.

Like always, she thought to herself with a smile. Her smile disappeared with a despondent sigh after he left the room.

"Don't worry...sure," she muttered, opening the french doors that led to the porch. The hot breeze hit her in the face, causing her to start sweating immediately upon stepping foot outside. She sat down in the hammock using it as an upright swing to gently sway back and forth. None of them understood her fear, her hatred, or her intense dread of having to face Alucard again. Father Anderson might have a small inkling of how she felt, grasping some modicum of the strength of her mixed emotions. She pushed off with her foot so the swing would move back and forth in a soothing, rocking motion. Soon she was asleep. For once, Alucard was unable to break through the barrier of her mind because her thoughts were too firmly seated on a certain blond priest with a scar; a priest who she loved dearly.

~...~

There were five of them going to free the boys and take care of the degenerate who had imprisoned them. Father Montalvan, Father Anderson, two of the Sergeants from the Army of God, and Eva made up the small army that was going to take by storm the fortress that belonged to the Early of Trancy. These two Sergeants were familiar with Eva having been her two favorite sparring partners during her training. They were brothers by choice rather than by blood. The two men had made a pact as boys to form the familial bond. The oath had been taken during their time as youths in the orphanage and made rock solid as they had grown older. The taller black haired man with violet blue eyes, and a flower shaped birthmark under his left eye was name Genpachi Inukai*. Dressed in a black military uniform with a rigid, strict demeanor, he was the epitome of the perfect soldier. His chosen brother, Kobungo Inuta*, was always much more relaxed in attitude and bearing. He had light brown that was perpetually messy and russet colored eyes. He was wearing a black button down dress shirt and black cargo pants. The only thing that hinted he might be a priest was the silver cross hanging around his neck on a silver chain. Father Anderson and Father Montalvan wore their white priestly garb covered with dove grey cassocks.

Eva was dressed in her white uniform that had been given to her by Cardinal Rio Satomi. Her weapon was draped around her neck, wrapped around once so the loop as instructed so it would resemble a necklace. The sword was sheathed and propped against the seat of the small airplane. The gun was in a holder strapped to her thigh under her cassock. She sat stiffly in her seat, her fingers clutching the thickly padded armrests covered in cream colored leather. She gave Father Anderson a wavering smile, her lower lip quivering, when he patted her hand. Her eyes connected with his just before they were hidden by the glare of the sunset on his glasses. They would be arriving in London long after dark. They planned to invade the manor grounds around midnight.

Father Anderson could see the fear in her hazel eyes. She had not slept much last night. At least Alucard had not been able to assault her in her dreams. His thumb stroked across her chin before his big hand rested on her jaw, covering half of her cheek and part of her neck. He could feel the blood pulsing madly through the prominent artery in her neck. She was terrified, that was easy to see. Understandably so. Although this was going to be the first test of her exemplary skills, even she was aware that she was not ready to face Alucard yet. "You'll be fine," he assured her. "You have all of us here with you. There's no way you can fail."

"I'm not worried about failing, Father. I'll save those boys. Thinking about that old pervert makes so angry, so sick, I would take him on by myself," she said, carefully rolling her lower lip inward to bite it gently. She had learned to be very careful with her new, extra long, and viciously sharp canine teeth. Her fingers began to ache she was gripping the armrests so tightly. Forcing herself to let go, she opened her hands setting them in her lap where she massaged her aching fingers. "It's something else frightening me, Father. It's someone else."

"I know," he murmured, leaning forward to kiss her forehead. "You have the four of us with you. If the hell hound should come for you, warriors with heaven's power in their hands will be ready for him."

Eva loved it when he explained things to her. He made her feel invincible. She pressed her face into his palm, taking comfort in his touch.

"Should we leave them alone?" Kobungo whispered conspiratorially to Genpachi as he tried not to stare at the two people.

"Ko, don't be an idiot," his brother snapped, glancing at Father Montalvan who was reading a book and ignoring the situation entirely. "Besides, we're on an airplane. Where would we go?" He laughed at the expression of confusion on Kobungo's face. The man had always exhibited a tendency to act or speak without thinking; some habits never changed.

"See, they're relaxing and enjoying the trip," Father Anderson said to Eva, patting her cheek before taking his hand away. "You should do the same."

Eva gave him a smile, trying harder this time to make it seem more sincere. There was no way she was going to be able to relax until this was over, and they were safely back on the island - far from Alucard.

~...~

There were two guards stationed at the front gate. Four others patrolled the inner grounds. There were two guards roaming each floor of the three story mansion. All were armed with high powered weaponry including automatic rifles and sub-machine guns. Gen and Ko took out the two guards at the gate then waited for the four grounds guards to come running as the other three people entered the mansion. Father Montalvan broke away from the trio to search for the armed guards on the first floor. Father Anderson left Eva to search the rooms on the second floor while he kept a look out for the guards on this level.

Eva opened the first door, flipping on the light. Two stunned young boys, one about the age of five with black hair and huge blue eyes, the other around seven with brown hair and brown eyes, popped up out of their beds to blink in confusion. She bent down to pick up the dark haired child, his little arms immediately wound around her neck. The brown haired boy was more reticent, tears filling his sad eyes that looked even more sad the way they drooped at the outer edges. He held the covers up to his chin, biting his lip which trembled in abject terror while he stared at her without moving. She held out her hand, waiting for him to take it.

"I'm not here to hurt you. I'm here to save you," she told him, edging closer to his bed. "Please, take my hand and come with me."

Eva gripped his hand when he inserted his palm into hers then pulled him from the bed. She ran out of the room, meeting the other four members of the rescue party in the hall. So far they had been not just successful but quiet and not a single bullet had been fired to set the other guards on high alert that someone was in the mansion. None of their group had been injured either. She handed off the children to Father Montalvan who would take them downstairs and outside to a preset rendezvous point. She nodded to Genpachi who turned to kick in the bedroom door behind him.

"Get up, come with me," he ordered the children inside, but the horror struck boys did not move. "Now! Hurry!"

Eva pushed past Genpachi, throwing back the covers from the first child who appeared to be about six. She set him on his feet, assuring him in a soft voice that everything would be all right. Seeing the teddy bear laying in his bed, she grabbed it to shove it in his arms before she pushed him toward Genpachi.

"Grab the other one and get him out of here," she commanded the officer who was holding the hand of the first child. She lay her hand on Genpachi's arm as she stepped up next to him, patiently explaining, "Gen, keep in mind that they're children, and they've been abused. We're breaking into their house in the middle of the night and waking them up. They're going to be scared. Please, be gentle with them."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking," he mumbled, moving to the other bed to take the blonde about twelve years old by the hand to lead him from the room as she went to the next room.

Eva helped Kobungo herd out the two boys who were twins about the age of ten, watching them flee toward the staircase before she ducked into the next room. The room was empty. She checked the others that seemed to have been recently vacated of their occupants or were ready for new ones. Her body shuddered at the thought of unsuspecting, innocent boys who thought they had been adopted to experience a wonderful new life not knowing the pure hell they were going to be subjected to in this austere manor. She was passed in the hallway by Father Anderson before he started up the stairs to the third floor.

"Where are you going?" she asked him.

"Get out, Eva. You've found all of the boys. You should leave to help take care of them. I'll take care of the Earl," he said flatly without even looking back at her.

"I won't leave you," she returned, running up the stairs behind him.

"You can be the most insufferable, irritating, and strong willed woman," he snapped at her, leaning down to come nose to nose with her.

"I won't leave you," she repeated with determination, bearing her teeth as she growled at him. She took a step back from him when he straightened up to his full height to tower over her.

"Did you just growl at me?" he inquired, staring down at her in disbelief.

"I didn't...I don't think...uhm, uh..." she hemmed and hawed a little more before straightening her back to stand eye level with the bottom of his sternum. "Yes, yes, I did growl at you. You make me so angry sometimes. You weren't supposed to do this alone. We're a team."

"Fine, fine, come on then," he muttered, taking her by the hand to pull her along with him. When they reached the top of the stairs on the third floor he turned back to snap at her, "You better not get yourself killed."

A clicking sound met Eva's ears before she could say anything in return: it was the sound of a gun being cocked. The sound had come from behind Father Anderson. Pulling the gun from the holster on her leg, she stepped around his large body that blocked the gunman from her sight to shoot at him before he could squeeze off the shot that was aimed at Anderson's head. The bullet from her gun entered the scope that he was looking through, slamming into his eye before it scrambled his brain to exit through the back of his head. His finger pressed the trigger, releasing a spray of bullets toward the ceiling as he fell. This alerted the other guard on the floor to come running. He appeared in the direction which Father Anderson was facing to be taken out by one of the priest's blades that traveled the length of the hall after being thrown to halt his advance. The long blade penetrated the guard's chest, skewering his heart. Time to hurry just in case there should be reenforcements somewhere that would arrive soon.

Father Anderson grabbed Eva by the collar, raising his big booted foot to kick down the door of the room next to them. The door splintered leaving large jagged pieces of wood to hang from the hinges that were bent yet tenaciously hanging onto the door frame. They had unknowingly entered the lair of the beast himself. The disgusting old geezer had been about to steal the innocence of a boy of about twelve with pale blond hair and eyes the color of cornflowers. The skinny youth was bent over the king sized bed and was about to penetrated by the deviant. How had the bastard not heard what was going on and stopped what he was doing?

"Grab the boy!" Father Anderson ordered her, unsheathing two more of his short swords that resembled daggers in his massive hands.

The Earl of Trancy looked like a disturbing degenerate with his long, greasy gray hair and the large liver spots due to advanced age on his wrinkled face. When he smiled, his four front teeth between his incisors were missing. He held the naked child as a human shield in front of him as the Monster of God advanced toward him with his blades held up. Moving sideways, toward the dresser, he made it obvious that he was going for a weapon hidden there.

"Let the boy go, Earl," Anderson commanded him, advancing until the old man grabbed the gun from the drawer of the nightstand.

It became apparent to Eva that Anderson was going to risk getting shot to stab the old man. Taking her weapon from around her neck, she began to spin the incense burners in small vertical circles. The air passing through the holes of the metal objects filled the air with a sharp whistling sound. Catching the sharp blue eyes of young man, she was surprised by his lucid calmness. His eyes held hers with a steady, emotionless gaze. Preparing to release one of the incense burners at her intended target, she looked downward with her eyes to signal to the boy to drop. What he did next astonished her. The boy grabbed the old man's hand that was squeezing his neck, pulling back on the middle finger until it snapped. The Earl released his quarry with an animalistic howl of agony from the broken finger. As soon as the boy ducked out of the way, giving her a clear shot at the Earl, she threw one of the incense burners to hit the old geezer square in the middle of his forehead. She prepared to throw the other burner as the Earl lost his balance and stumbled backwards to hit the wall behind him. Blood flowed from his forehead, getting into his eyes, from the deep slash the knife like edges of the cross had cut into his skin. Her wrist jerked to send the projectile forward as his hand holding the gun raised to take aim at the priest. The cross imbedded itself in his wrist, pinning his hand to the wall while making him drop the weapon. The gun hit the floor with a bang and went off with another loud bang. She thought the bullet had safely discharged into the wall until she felt a stinging sensation in her side. Looking down, she saw a circle of crimson red forming on the snowy white background of her cassock just above her left hip. Pulling back her weapon, she carelessly flung it around her neck splattering more blood on her uniform. Pressing her hand to her side, she reached down to snatch up the garment from the floor at the end of the bed, a pink and purple kimono made of the finest silk. Rushing forward, she wrapped the material around the boy's frail, thin body to cover his nakedness.

"Get him out of here!" Father Anderson yelled at her again, pointing to the door with his blade.

Just as she took the boy by the hand and was about to make a run for the door, a guard entered with an automatic rifle raised to shoot. Eva reached for her gun, shooting the guard in the face without a moment's hesitation. Although the Holy Water had absolutely no effect on him, the bullets still did a marvelous job of killing him. She pulled the boy along behind her as she prepared to flee the room. A remarkable type of pressure was being emitted from Father Anderson's body that was like a force of gravity that was pushing against her and pulling her in at the same time. The intense, raw power made her insides tremble. She felt the boy's hand clutch hers tighter hinting to her that he could feel it too. It terrified them both.

"Go! Get out of here!" Anderson bellowed at her, turning to look at her.

Eva gasped to see that his eyes had disappeared to be replaced by blinding white light that she was forced to look away from. She bowed her head, unable to look up at his face at all. The burden of her own guilt threatened to consume her like a fire that burned within her soul.

"You don't want to see this Eva. I'm about to pass judgment and punishment on this man," he warned her, raising his short sword to press the tip to the Earl's throat to prevent him from escaping. "Leave...please."

Eva trembled helplessly as she stared at the floor, willing her frozen body to move. She could see a white aura stretching across the floor from him. That aura seemed to cut straight through her body, stripping away everything to lay open her soul, naked and vulnerable, before him. So this was the power of the Judgment of God. Finally finding the ability to move, she tightened her grip on the boy's hand and fled from the room with tears in her eyes. Her side began to ache just before a searing pain sliced through her to remind her that she had been shot. A rumble like drums in the distance grew to a crescendo of deafening thunder that shook the house by the time they reached the first floor. Just as they exited the front door, she could hear Father Anderson's voice erupt with a boom that sounded like a bomb exploding.

"Earl of Trancy, you will stand in judgment today. By the law of man, you are accused of molestation, rape, sodomy, and child sex slavery. You have been found guilty. The earnings of the wicked are sin and death*. For your sins against the innocent and blameless children, you will die," Father Anderson bellowed, his voice making the walls and floors quake around them.

Eva ran through the front gates, leaving the mansion of inequity behind her. She did not slow down until she reached the meeting area where the three other members of their team stood with the children surrounding them. The younger ones were crying because they were scared, cold, and tired. The older boys were doing their best to help comfort their younger counterparts while they battled shock and fear themselves.

"Eva!" Kobungo exclaimed happily upon seeing her. When he ran toward them, the blond boy whose hand she had been holding stepped in front of her as if to protect her.

"She's hurt. She was shot," the boy informed him, worried that she might die as the blood continued to soak into her clothing creating an ever widening circle.

Genpachi had been trained as a field medic so he rushed to help her. With Ko's assistance, he lay her down on the ground to check the extent of her wound. Just he was about to cut open her blood soaked cassock, he paused because the boy gripped his arm using a strength the delicate blonde did not seem capable of possessing.

"Please, help her," he begged.

"Don't worry. She's our friend. We won't let anything happen to her," Genpachi assured him, glancing toward the house to see Father Anderson exiting the building. More motivation to save Eva was walking their way. If she died, that man would kill them.

"Hey, Blondie," Eva called to the boy. She grunted upon hearing the sound of ripping fabric. She hoped Satomi had a back up uniform somewhere for her. Motioning for the boy to come to her, she held out her hand for his. Her fingers curled around hers tightly as he took her hand in hand while kneeling beside her. "What's your name?"

"Jim. Jim Macken*," he answered, squeezing her hand when she hissed in pain as the man cleaned away the blood to get a better look at her injury.

"Jim. Would you mind if I call you James?" she asked, clenching her teeth together as her pseudo doctor poked around the wound sending scorching trails of pain shooting in all directions from the bullet's entrance point.

"James? Why?"

"I want to give you a new name along with your new life. James is the name of Jesus' brother who also followed him as a devout disciple." She stopped talking when her voice grew quavery from the pain.

"A new life?" he asked, glancing at the men tending to her for an explanation.

"You're coming to live with us to live at St. Sebastian's," Ko explained, wishing Eva would stop squeezing his hand so tightly so he could regain feeling in his fingers.

"I want to stay with her," Jim/James protested, holding onto her hand as Gen tried to push him out of the way. His eyes opened wide as he toed the edge of panic. She had saved him. She had been shot because of him. He did not want to leave her.

"She lives there too," Ko told him seeing that it calmed him. "For now you need to move so we can take care of her."

"Is she going to be all right?" Father Anderson asked, cleaning the blood from his swords as he stood above them. He ignored the fact that all of them jumped, startled as if they had been caught doing something wrong. He already knew Eva had been shot.

"She'll be fine. The bullet isn't deep. Her body is already pushing it back out and trying to heal itself. I just have to keep a check on the blood loss in the mean time. She's going to be very weak for a while," Genpachi informed the concerned priest as he sheathed his swords. She had lost consciousness during his poking and prodding which was probably the best thing that could have happened to her to save her from the pain.

Once Eva was patched up enough to move her, Father Anderson bent to pick her up. His apprehension grew when her head lolled lifelessly to the side. Thankfully she was still just unconscious. He felt a hand clutching a handful of the material of his cassock as he moved to take her to the car that waited for them. Looking down at the blond who held the knot of fabric, hopelessly wrinkling his cassock, he smiled pleasantly at the boy who had been pulled from the claws of a true monster.

"What's your name?" he asked the boy.

"Jim, no, James. It's James, sir," he answered confidently, unafraid of the huge priest cradling the woman who had taken him to safety. "She gave me this name."

"Did she now?" Father Anderson smiled down at Eva. "And a fine name it is, James."

"What's her name?"

"Eva."

"Eva," he repeated as if rolling her name around on his tongue to get the full feel of it. "It's beautiful. Like her."

"Son, you have a good eye and great taste in women," Father Anderson chuckled.

"Is she yours?"

Father Anderson physically flinched from the brazen question. He could hear snorts of poorly restrained laughter coming from his companions. He decided to vaguely reply, "Kind of."

"Is she an angel?"

"Angel's don't get hurt."

"What is she then?" James asked with a boundless curiosity.

"You ask too many questions, James," the hulking man admonished him, not wanting to answer any more of the boy's inquiries. Reaching down to ruffle the boy's hair, he held Eva tightly to his chest with one arm. She had gotten injured but she was alive, and she had saved all of the children from a miserable fate worse than death. Her first mission could be deemed as a stunning success. Hopefully they could get out of London before Alucard made an unwanted appearance. "All you need to know, James, is that we're headed home where it's safe."

Author's Notes: I know I am 'borrowing' quite a few characters from other animes along with adding my OCs. I did not list this story as a cross-over because it is not a true cross-over since I'm only using a few characters and not bringing in any other elements from the anime they have been taken from.

*These two characters are also out of Hakkenden: Eight Dogs of the East

*Proverbs 10:16

*The Earl of Trancy is a character from Black Butler.

*Jim Macken is the real name of Alois Trancy from Black Butler.