With the help of Willow, Gabe was able to alter all the video and audio footage that was on Stella's computer. It took a lot of tweaking of Willow's spells to be able to sync with Gabe's smartwatch before they were able to pull off their little magic trick of misdirection.
After that, Gabe asked everyone to meet in the sitting room.
When they had all gathered, he began telling them about the discussion he and Stella had.
"Let me guess, there is no organization like that, you just made it up," Rose said.
"Yeah I did," Gabe said.
"So what do you intend to do?" Abel asked.
"Well, it's something that involves all of us. We all have a role to play in this little plan of mine that I hatched a while back," Gabe replied.
"Hmmm! Is that so?" Willow asked.
"Yes it is," Gabe replied.
"And what is this plan that you hatched a while back?" Jack asked.
"The plan... Before I continue, I have a request."
"I don't know but can someone please tell me what is going on here?" Gabe asked.
"How so?" Rose asked.
"You guys are just like a hive mind now, taking turns to talk to me and ask me questions. Taking a look at your faces, I can read clearly that the question one of you asks is the one the others wanted to ask also."
"Were you guys bonding when I was speaking with Cole's mother?" Gabe asked.
When Gabe asked that question, Willow and Rose had a look of disgust on their faces.
"There is no way I would ever bond with this witch," Rose said.
"Who would want to bond with an ugly brute like you? Answer! Not me! Uh uh," Willow said.
"I can see you're just jealous, for going as far as calling me ugly," Rose said.
"Me? Jealous? Of you? Please give me a break," Willow said.
"Take all the breaks you need, you won't still be able to be like me," Rose said.
"What in God's name do you have? You are nothing but cheap trash in front of me," Willow said.
While this banter between the girls was going on, Gabe turned to Jack and Abel, seeking answers about what was unfolding in front of him.
"Don't look at me man, I know nothing," Jack said.
Abel sighed and spoke.
"I don't know what went wrong but they have been like this for a week now."
The girls continued and showed no sign of stopping until Gabe had to intervene and break them up.
"Alright, that's enough. Why are you guys on each other's necks? I never knew you guys had beef. If I didn't know better I would say you girls are fighting over a boy," Gabe said.
Immediately Willow's face was a shade redder and Rose started staring at the floor.
This sudden strange behavior didn't escape Gabe's, Abel's, and Jack's notice. Wanting to get more clarity on the matter, Gabe attempted to ask them some questions but Abel called on Gabe's attention, signaling him to stop.
After everyone was settled again, Gabe continued with the meeting.
"You guys asked what was the plan I made. It's simple really, we can't rely on Cole to look out for us. I'm talking about resources and connections."
"You guys have seen that Cole has it rough in his family. He might look like a rich kid but what he has is only enough to sustain him. It will be a little difficult for him to get the funds he promised you guys," Gabe said.
"Yeah, that much is clear"
"So let me guess, you want us to be the ones to rescue Cole, and we would be doing it under the identity of the fake and non-existent organization you created," Abel said.
"That is correct, that is pretty much it. Also, the organization doesn't have to be fake, if you catch my drift," Gabe said.
"Not only do you want us to risk our lives to save Cole, but you want us to continue doing similar things like what we are about to do. I don't think it will be possible Gabe."
"How much are we even talking about?" Rose asked.
"Hahaha! I thought you were not interested?"
"Well, it's nothing much, it's no different than we helping the society. It's just half a grade higher than community service. It's just a million high-grade mana stones or its equivalent," Gabe said.
"So you basically want us to do dangerous stuff for free... Wait a second, did I hear you correctly? Did you just say a million high-grade mana stones? Who would ever want to pay that amount of mana stones?" Willow asked.
"Many people would be willing to pay that amount of mana stones for certain things, like the services we provide," Gabe said.
"Yeah, that much is true," Abel said.
"I also know that, but I want to clarify something, did you say the services that we might provide or the services we provide?" Rose asked.
"Yeah, quit assuming we are already going to agree with your plans," Jack said.
"Look, I know you guys said things about wanting to live a peaceful life, BLA BLA BLA, etc. Who do you want to deceive? Is it yourselves because it's definitely not me. I know you guys feel it. That hunger to grow stronger, to evolve. The hunger to fight, the thirst for knowledge, the feeling of wanting everything, the feeling of wanting to conquer the world, the raw greed that you try hard to keep in check," Gabe said.
"So what do you want us to do, give in to the greed?" Abel asked.
"No, I do not want you guys to give into this greed, neither do I want you to suppress it, no, I want you guys to take control of that greed."
"This is why we are also rational beings. We do not operate only on emotions. We are not like animals that live and act on pure instincts. We do not behave like low-grade demon beasts, no, we are human beings."
"Some might see what happened to us in the facility as unfortunate, but I tell you, it is a gift that fate has bestowed upon us."
"Now I implore you, to stop being pussies and tell me if you are with me or not," Gabe said.