Gabrielis didn't know what to say, but as soon as his face got all soft and apologetic, Zeyr teared up again and suddenly was clinging to the older angel, sobbing once more. "It's okay now, Zeyr... it's okay. I'm so sorry to have been so rude with you. I hope you forgive me." Hugging the smaller male close, Gabrielis exhaled lowly, glancing at Astan who had refused to leave before Gabrielis had apologized. Now, the demon nodded and retreated, dragging Eskan with him.

"I'm so happy..." the blonde angel whispered, while Gabrielis gently wiped some tears away. "Why so?" Zeyr smiled a little jiggly, rubbing his eyes a little. "Just... because you don't hate me, like I had feared." Only now, Gabrielis realised what his reaction must have triggered inside Zeyr, and his bad conscience made him clench up on the inside again.

They both retreated into Gabrielis's office after a while, as they were feeling they needed some time for themselves now. Just to... sort things out and get some understanding into all of this. Plus, the sky outside was filling with darkness once more. Not the thick clouds from before... but something very different indeed. Not that anyone really would have noticed.

-*-*-*-

"Master... what is happening?" He wasn't sure what to answer. The gate was reacting all on its own, and he no longer had any control over the powers it was providing him. A rather unsettling developement indeed... "That's none of your business. The only important thing is to settle everything for the ritual."

But he already knew they hadn't been able to fulfill the conditions. The sudden rush of darkness had unbalanced the Equilibrum too much for it. It had been his idea, of that he was sure. And Lizzo, never having returned, just seemed to be another prove he had underestimated his nemesis once more. How very... unpleasant.

Even though he should have done something to release his anger now, he held back. It was no use to waste his powers now, just because he wanted to throw a tantrum. No, he had to focus now... and reconsider some things. If he wanted to trick him out, there had to be a way to sneak up on this cursed demon and stab him, so to speak.

Taking a long look at his wine glass, he thought about the first time he had met him. It had been the worst day in his young life, yet... it had opened his eyes, too. Having seen this trememdous power, how easily it was wielded and, most importantly, how crushing it's force was, he had begun his own strive after more magical power.

And what had become of him? A quite powerful demon himself. He was feared, respected, and known. That was the most important fact... he wasn't an unknown, just a number to elder demons. No, his name had a meaning, and it was used with care. Though not with as much care as his name. There were rumours even the Devil didn't dare to mention him without fearing the consequences.

Smirking to himself, he tossed the glass away. Indeed... he was one of the most feared beings to ever have existed. Therefore, it was justified to now toss him off this throne. He would show everyone that he was nothing more than an empty shell, no longer filled with those tremendous powers once contained. "I will destroy you... I will smash this empty shell of yours."

One of his subordinates bowed and stepped closer. "Master Lachiarus... we have finished our preparations. We now can be sure we will be able to pick up the fight with... him." Even they were afraid to use the name, as if it still was connected to the old power. Which certainly would end as soon as he would prove the very opposite.

Lachiarus lifted, the glass breaking from his just slightly tighter grip. "Finally... I will get my revenge...!" His true form flickered around him, having changed quite some in the past centuries. "I will get you... I will get you and smash you to pieces, Astaroth. No matter how powerful you are, I will be the one defeating you..."

~End of Chapter 7~