I've made up my mind. Carl's a Highlander-style Immortal. I've updated Chapter 1 so it's included in the disclaimer.
-------
"I can't believe I'm doing this."
"Well, you'd better face up to the facts soon, Carl. It really isn't healthy to live in denial."
Carl glared at him.
Van Helsing still stood with his back against the door. Carl, meanwhile, had removed his jacket - he hadn't worn a friar's robe in decades - and held his sword at the ready. The blade was made of steel. While it could harm Oz, it couldn't kill him. They were counting on that.
Carl took a deep breath. "Just open the damn door."
Van Helsing nodded. "On the count of three. One…two…three!"