Not much time later, after the events that occurred in Mexico with Gabriel, Mak and Nico. Gabriel had enough time to relax and spend some time with Carmen, their relationship advanced slowly thanks to Mak's efforts. Kevin was focused on his research for utilizing the wyrm scales and Mak had remembered a strange detail about Munderic, how he was able to cast a necromantic spell to raise a dead human baby and turn it into his Invunche, an immortal, soulless creature perfect for using as a catalyst in ritual requiring sacrifice. He has asked Kevin to call Munderic over to examine the wyrm scales and hoped that he would take the bait and while being there, Mak would have the time he needs to extract some information out of him. While Mak was doing his own thing and Kevin was so interested in his work, Gabriel and Carmen were spending more and more time together. Gabriel had asked Eric for money some time ago, he used that money to buy a computer that he could play video games on, he had Carmen play with him some times and she was delighted to spend time with Gabriel and have fun with him, sometimes they would get so excited with the games that they would fall asleep together on their chairs, only to wake up in the morning and have Mak tease them about what they were doing. As of now, their days were fantastic. There were two of them though that had some concerns, Mak wanted to subtly interrogate Munderic as soon as he arrives and the other person was Mike, the voice that Gabriel had in his mind, the one who fought against Warren and saved Carmen from Eric. Gabriel was having so much fun the last days, playing video games all day and spending time with Carmen has brightened his life to an extreme. After fooling around with the book he found at Ozymandias' library, he figured that it didn't have anything to do with his situation and he forgot to fulfill his promise to Mike, he didn't really have a lead as to what

to look for, he even tried to sneakily ask Mak about it but even he didn't really reveal anything similar, he seemed certain that there was no possible way for two souls to inhabit the same body. Mike wasn't really mad that Gabriel was having fun, he cared for the mental health of his cost after all, he even considered the possibility of him being just a mental problem that Gabriel had, he thought that maybe Gabriel had a double personality disorder and he was the result of that. That didn't add up though, as of now, even Mike can't figure something so he can't really argue with Gabriel choosing to have fun while he doesn't have work to do.

The downtime ended though when an unexpected phonecall interrupted Gabriel's video game time with Carmen, his phone rang and it read Nico, Gabriel felt uneasy for a moment, he didn't really get an answer to his request to join the Vatican and he has previously messed up with people affiliated with them, there was always the possibility that when Nico announces the idea of Gabriel joining the Vatican to the council that they would refuse so at that moment that the phone read Nico's name, he wasn't sure what he was about to hear. Gabriel ever so hesitant picked the phone and answered,

Gabriel-Hello?

Nico-It's Nico D'Renna.

Gabriel-Hey, how are you doing?

Nico-I am fine, I called you because I have some news you would like to know.

Gabriel-What?

Nico-The council has agreed to our request. You are officially a free agent of the Vatican, you can count for the Vatican to back you up whenever you present the required information. We also consider you an ally and will call for your help in the future, I hope that pleases you.

Gabriel-That's great, you mean I can go on missions?

Nico-As a free agent you will be accompanied by officials at every mission, you can't just go out and fool around. You can use the Vatican's authority but remember that when you do, you will also have consequences by being affiliated with the Vatican. There are many who would consider you enemy if they find out and others will see you as an ally, for every move you make, you must report to officials. For any request you have, they are obligated to hear it. I will explain more when you come over.

Gabriel-Come over?

Nico-You are required to appear before the council, they want to speak with you, they already know of your feats and are eager to meet you. There is no need to worry, you are considered an ally, you and I belong to the same family as of now. I also swear to help you through this.

Gabriel-Thanks, I am kinda scared, to be honest.

Nico-Don't be, this is just an introduction, not any formal occurrence. You will simply meet with the council and the paladins that are currently inside the Vatican. We will also begin your training and I personally will mentor you for everything, I will tell you off all the rules, advantages and things you need to know about the Vatican. We will also train with some things.

Gabriel-Am I gonna get some of those artifacts you have?

Nico-No, these are for those with the rank of Paladin, you are now considered a free agent and are equal to a squire. Your rank will increase based on your performance during the missions, I am certain that you will do just fine.

Gabriel-Ok, should I book some tickets for Italy then?

Nico-No need, the Vatican has already prepared everything, you don't need to bring any luggage either, your tickets and everything you will need is covered by the Vatican's expenses. One more thing, you can also bring someone with you, I have also mentioned that you work with your own team, even if they are not part of our group, they are also your responsibility, if Mak wants to come, then everything is covered for one extra person.

Gabriel-Ok, I will go tell the others right now.

Nico-I wish you a safe journey.

Gabriel-Thanks, see you.

Gabriel hang up the phone and turned to face Carmen who up until now heard everything.

Carmen-That's great, I am so happy for you, Gabriel.

Gabriel-Do you realize what this means? Having the Vatican's help means that I no longer have to worry about pissing the wrong people, I don't have to worry about being discreet and careful all the time. I don't really have to worry about getting exposed and I can finally have some backup and learn more stuff. (That must be good for you too.)

Mike-(Of course, with the Vatican's collection of information, we might find more about us.)

Carmen-How long are you gonna be away though?

Gabriel-I don't know, Nico said that we will also do some training, I am guessing a couple of weeks, I am going to tell Mak.

Carmen got a bit sad, not much time has passed since Gabriel was away and now he is again going to leave, she again felt left behind. All she wanted was to be part of these travels and spend more time with Gabriel, she knew that Gabriel wasn't really leaving her behind all the time, she knew that he worried about her and that's why he didn't let her come with him. That's why she never got mad at him but deep inside her, she really wanted to accompany him.

Gabriel went to the living room where Mak was watching TV and eating jelly beans.

Gabriel-Get up, we are going to Italy.

Mak-Italy?

Gabriel-Nico called, they agreed to me joining the Vatican as a free agent, we are going to meet up with them and then train with Nico.

Mak-They want to meet me as well?

Gabriel-Not really, Nico said that since we work together you can also come.

Mak-How long do you plan for us to stay there?

Gabriel-Nico said that everything from our tickets to our accommodation is covered by the Vatican, he said that we will also do some training so I am guessing a couple of weeks.

Mak-(Fuck, Munderic will be here in a few days, I can't go with Gabriel now. I am going to miss Munderic and I really have to know how he did that spell. I can't afford to be away for weeks.) I don't wanna come.

Gabriel-What? Why?

Mak-(I need a good excuse...) There is no need for me to go really, I am too bored to leave.

Gabriel-You lazy moron, this is the Vatican we are talking about, don't you wanna come?

Mak-Not really, I don't like all that official crap and there won't be any chicks there besides nuns. What's the point?

Gabriel-Why do I even bother talking to your stupid ass?

Mak-It's not like I will be useful there anyway. You are just gonna train with Nico.

Gabriel-So you admit you are useless.

Mak-Fuck off. Why don't you take Carmen with you? A little training will be good for her.

At this point, Carmen was standing behind the door that connects the living room to the garage where she was with Gabriel a second ago, she got extremely happy when she heard that.

Gabriel-Hm... Not a bad idea, I guess this is a good opportunity for her to train.

Mak-Of course, "train"

Gabriel-What is that supposed to mean?

Mak-You just wanna hook up in Italy.

Gabriel-You fuckin...

Mak-Just go on, I have other things to do.

Gabriel-Really? What? Sitting all day eating candy?

Mak-Yeah...

Gabriel-Lazy, stupid goblin.

Carmen then walked in like she didn't hear anything.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

Mak-Hey, do you want to go with little Gabe to Italy?

Carmen-Yeah... I mean if you don't want to...

Mak-Don't screw with me, you heard everything from behind the door and even if you weren't eavesdropping which I am certain you did, you also have Telepathy.

Carmen-Uhm...

Mak-You two go to Italy, I am not needed this time. (This is a good opportunity for you to get closer, don't you think?)

Carmen-(Well, yeah...)

Mak-Go on, leave me be.

Gabriel gave the finger to Mak while he was walking back to the garage to pack some things up, including some of his weapons, Carmen packs some things of her own and as for Mak, he went to the lab to tell Kevin about Gabriel's trip to Italy. He didn't really seem to care much that both Gabriel and Carmen were about to leave.

Mak-Nico called Gabriel, he has to go to Italy for some time, Carmen wants to go with him.

Kevin-Yeah? Ok.

Mak-Aren't you a bit curious as to why?

Kevin-Why what?

Mak-What do you think Nico and the Vatican want with Gabriel?

Kevin-He said he wanted to join them, didn't he?

Mak-Yeah, but something doesn't seem right, while we were at Mexico, I overheard Nico reporting to someone about us, he gave them information about me and Gabriel.

Kevin-Everyone reports to the higher-ups about the current situation. It doesn't mean anything.

Mak-I feel like I am wasting my time with you.

Kevin turned around while still sitting on his chair, he was now facing Mak showing that he has his complete attention.

Kevin-What do you want from me exactly?

Mak-You have to pay more attention to Gabriel.

Kevin-What's going on with him?

Mak-How can you be so clueless about it? Has it occurred to you that sooner or later he might get some unwanted attention? Like what happened with Marbas.

Kevin-The demon?

Mak-Yes, Marbas was the demon that Gabriel didn't think twice to chase to the depths of hell. I am telling you, he gets more unstable by the moment. Who knows what's going to happen if he doesn't go along with the people of the Vatican? What happens when one of them angers our little Gabe? Have you considered how explosive his anger will be? Your apathy of the situation is incredible.

Kevin-Gabriel isn't the dumb little kid you think he is. I am sure he has at least enough sense to not mess with the wrong people.

Mak-The guy went to hell! To kill a fucking demon!

Kevin-I don't really have the time to talk about your fantasies, Mak.

Mak-Yeah.( I want to hear you say the same thing when shit hits the fan.)

Gabriel, along with Carmen and their bags went to the lab to say goodbye to Kevin.

Gabriel-Hey, doc.

Kevin-Hey, Mak told me you two are going to Italy.

Gabriel-Yeah, Nico called me about meeting the council and some kind of training.

Kevin-Ok. I guess you are going to miss Munderic though. He is going to come in a few days to help me with the wyrm scales you brought back.

Gabriel-I thought you might like to play with those things, that's why I brought them.

Kevin-Yeah, you have no idea what kind of plans I have for these, I am working on a ritual that is designed to turn them into some form of Wyrm armor, it probably won't be as strong as the Draconic Gauntlet but imagine the possibility of having

the whole set to use...

Gabriel got tired of hearing Kevin rumble about the armor,

Gabriel-Great, goodbye.

He grabbed Carmen's hand and they basically run to the front door.

Gabriel-Oh fuck, I thought he wasn't going to stop talking.

Carmen-But, professor Kevin always gets excited about things like that.

Gabriel-I know, some times he gets really invested in his work.

Carmen-Shall we go to the airport?

Gabriel-Yeah, let's grab a cup of coffee first, our flight won't leave for a couple of hours.

Carmen-Great idea.

Meanwhile, Mak gave up trying to make Kevin see his point, despite the fact that he has done a fine job so far at keeping Gabriel in check, he really needed Kevin to understand how important it really is, he warned him countless times to be careful of what happens around Gabriel. Mak knows the cruelty of the world, he knows what's out there and he knows the power of the humans. What he doesn't know is the existence of Mike, he doesn't know that Mike is responsible for the sudden emotional outbursts that Gabriel has, Mike feels what Gabriel feels, Mike knows what Gabriel knows, the only difference between them is how they react, Gabriel's human side gives him the restraint necessary to keep himself from doing something he isn't supposed to do, Mike doesn't have that restraint, he thinks that he has to act based on these emotions because these emotions are his true self. Every person is unique, they all feel anger, love, sadness, happiness but for different things.

How we react to these emotions and how we restrain ourselves is how each person's personality is born. Our actions define who we are, not our thoughts. Every person hates something, every person loves something, what's stopping them from expressing these feelings are the laws that have been bestowed upon them by our own society. Because if every person acts exactly as he feels, there is nothing stopping us from destroying others and destroying ourselves. Mike has made clear that he doesn't care about anything else but his own self, his own body. He said that even if Gabriel doesn't want it, he will protect his body in any way he can. That's the basic instinct that every creature has, survival.

While Mak's plan of questioning Munderic is at hold until he arrives, Gabriel and Carmen are on their way to the airport, they are laughing and talking about Mak, making fun of him more than talking. Gabriel is happy that he can share this time with Carmen and she is even happier that she can go with him on this trip to Italy. Even if the purpose of the trip is to meet with the higher-ups of the council and probably train with other paladins, there will be enough time to strengthen their relationship within the time of this trip. Gabriel has called Nico multiple times as soon as he got aboard the plane, he asked about how he is supposed to behave, what kind of people is he going to meet, if there would be any free time during the training, what kind of training are they going to do? Nico answered all of Gabriel's questions as simply as he could.

Nico-Just be yourself. You don't have to prove anything, they want to see what kind of person you are after all, you don't have to show off for anyone. As for the training, we are going to go over a couple of things, I will explain everything when we begin, I can't really tell you anything over the phone.

The plane for Italy has taken off, Gabriel is a bit nervous but Carmen's company is making him feel better. Having a trusted person with him and joking around has eased his mind quite a bit. Unlike Mak, who at this time has a lot of questions, he wonders why Nico wants to present Gabriel to the council, he wonders what kind of spell Munderic did and how he learned it, he is also worried about Gabriel, Mak's mind is a total mess and he has done a surprising job not showing how much trouble he is dealing with, despite always looking playful and calm, he has to deal with a lot of problems that would otherwise be invisible to a normal person. Every move that he makes, every word that he says has a purpose, every time he has poked fun at Gabriel was to test his patience and restraint, to see where his breaking point is. Every time that he has teased him and Carmen has been to learn more about his emotional situation and to help develop their relationship. Every time that he has seemed kind to someone was to gain their trust. He has taken the role of Gabriel's mentor and friend. He has made sure to find someone to take the role of Gabriel's companion as well. Kevin has been apathetic towards Gabriel for quite some time, he seems more focused on finding out more and more stuff about the mystical things in the world more than the original quest. That happened of course because he only wanted to persuade Gabriel into it, his speech back when Gabriel woke up in his lab was meant to trick him. He specifically mentioned revenge, justice, to inspire Gabriel but his ulterior motive was to get revenge on Warren for the death of his wife. When that was achieved he threw away every aspect of someone fighting for justice, he didn't care about it to begin with. Since he had successfully manipulated Gabriel to exact his revenge for him, he simply stopped caring about anything, the only thing that excited him anymore was to discover and work on various projects, all meant to keep his mind occupied on something. Kevin didn't have a purpose anymore, the big talk about justice was a ruse in his mind and now he is simply bored. That's what has distanced him from Gabriel. Kevin

was his first mentor, a father figure that he could actually converse with, not like F.Johnnathan did but as a true friend. Now he doesn't talk with Gabriel anymore, he doesn't share his thoughts with him, he doesn't seem to care about Gabriel's thoughts and feelings either. That's what Mak was trying to explain to him, something even he didn't realize. Mak tried to make Kevin understand his situation, he tried to explain to him that after all this time, he has become a stranger to Gabriel. Because if Kevin, who was his first ally doesn't care about their cause, then what is Gabriel even fighting for?