Rome, Italy

Year 1888

Two black stallions galloped into the large open square of the Piazza San Pletro, now slowing as their riders pulled on the reigns. One of them was a man with dirty blonde hair, his suit dark brown and loose fit. It was torn in some places, showing signs of the fight he and his companion had been through recently.

The other was a man dressed in black, with a Duster overcoat draped on his body and a black hat upon his head. There was a friar waiting for them at the Basilica of Saint Peter, who took their horses as they dismounted. The man in black nodded to the friar, then headed up the stairs into the basilica, his companion following close behind. He was a bit tired now, for it had been a long ride from the far side of Walachia, but he was very pleased right now.

Standing there, waiting before the ornate confessional inside the church, was the person they sought. He was leaning on a cane, raised a hand to brush back his gray hair that still has some spots of brown in it. He could see there was a change in the eyes of the man in black; they were filled with knowledge, a sense of completion.

"I assume," he began, "that you know, Gabriel."

The man came to a halt before Professor Van Helsing. "And I know you knew the whole time," he replied. For a moment, his left hand tightened into a fist, as if he were going to strike the professor for not telling him before. But then, he smiled and brought his arms around to hug the professor. "And you were right to not tell me."

As they pulled away from each other, Gabriel Van Helsing smiled to his adoptive father. "It was a test of faith," he said. "How much I could trust in myself, believe and finally not fear anything on my own."

"And you were rewarded with your memories," Abraham stated. He smiled, gesturing to the confessional and leading the way in. Down the stairs they went, reaching the armory. It was then that Professor Van Helsing led Gabriel and Carl to Jinette's office deep within the Templar's cavern. "In memory lies power, and thus is the power of angels."

As he opened the door, Professor Van Helsing looked to Jinette, who was sitting there, reading something. "Our Archangel returns," he said. The cardinal looked at Abraham in confusion, then, when he saw Van Helsing, raised a brow.

"You completed your mission, then?"

"That, and more," Gabriel replied. He looked at the cardinal. It was clear he hadn't known the truth. So, he pulled off his coat and showed the wings that appeared on his back. Black wings, like those of a raven, but thick and full. Jinette gasped in shock, falling out of his seat and to the ground, where he stared with amazement. "I trust that you know what I am now."

He gapped, mouth hanging open while he could not find the words to express what he was feeling. Standing before him was an angel; an archangel. This whole time, for seven years, they had been holding the service of one of Heaven's warriors, and never known at all what stood in their midst.

Wait. The professor had known. He always was the one who restored Van Helsing's confidence, always reminded him of his greater purpose. He had to have known the whole time. Judging from the look of calm on Abraham's face, it was true; he'd known all along.

"Why did you not inform me?" the cardinal said while rising to his feet. "Professor Van Helsing, withholding such information from us was a foolish thing!"

He waved his hand. "Please," he replied. "If I had told you, of all people, you would have harbored no doubts about using Gabriel as much as possible." There was a wry smile there on Abraham's lips. "Plus, I thought it best if as few people as possible knew the truth about him. He had to learn on his own, recover his power and memories by his own virtue to prove his faith. And he has done so."

The cardinal couldn't speak for a few more moments. He looked to Gabriel, still in utter surprise over it all, then finally began breathing normally again. "This is indeed a great turn of events. Now that you remember everything-"

"I don't remember everything," Gabriel said. He let his wings molt away, feathers falling to the ground while he pulled his coat back on. "I know who and what I am, but there are still things I cannot recall; namely, why I was bound here on Earth."

He looked to the professor, hoping that he held the answers still, but now Abraham shook his head. "I'm afraid I cannot answer that question," he said. "The reason I knew of what you are is because I was the one who found you seven years ago, with your wings still upon your back." He smiled, letting Gabriel know that he understood. "But, I do not doubt that one day, you will remember why you were cast here to Earth. Until then, I hope you will continue your duty with us."

Gabriel slowly nodded, but turned to Jinette. There was one other thing to handle at the moment. "I suggest you not try taking advantage of our new knowledge," he snapped quickly. "I may be immortal and unkillable, but I'm not invulnerable. I need to rest, like any man, because my powers have not fully returned." He paused, glanced to Carl, then saw a look of agreement. He knew what Van Helsing was about to now demand. "And I would like some damn vacation time."