A bit late here. Sorry. I was having fun with snow on this Christmas and I had some other things to do... But I'm back and this chapter hopefully is fun for everyone here.

Chapter 19
"Struggle of Broken Pens"

"You were right about Megicula."

Those words brought utter silence into the workshop, only thing that could be heard is how they echoed in it for a short time. And as Lucifugus stood there Healer grew more concerned.

"My lord!" She tried to reach out to him "Please no-"

"Hmm..." He didn't hear it "Go on."

Yes! Finally! Recognition, retribution, satisfaction! Go for it Lucifugus! You earned it!

"(I known I did)" Lucifugus wouldn't show it, but he was ecstatic at the thought of Lucifero actually apologizing to him, acknowledging him... After all this misery!

"DAMMIT!" Healer screamed and grabbed her horns in frustration. It almost looked like she was ready to tear them off

Little bitch!

"BE QUIET for now Healer!" Lucifugus exploded at her.

Lucifugus saw she was clearly scared. But he saw the questions in her gaze as well. Who are you? What are you doing!?

"Are you done...?" Lucifero continued "Lucifugus?"

Lucifugus turned towards the hole in reality and saw this small bit of arrogance in Lucifero's eyes. Oh how much he hated that.

"Yes... It is quite uncharacteristic of me isn't it?" Lucifero said as he pointed at himseld

"That's an understatement and you know it very well." Lucifugus had little patience.

"Right..." Lucifero's tone was very dismissive "But I have to say, you were correct. This bitch is planning something behind my back. Sadly I don't know what yet, but I work on it and this revelation changes our deal about her quite a bit."

"What do you mean?" Lucifugus should have known it wasn't going to be all great.

"With this revelation I grew... infuriated..." Lucifero said the last word with barely contained anger "So I will get to her first."

"WHAT!?" And that last part made Lucifugus extremely angry as well "So you wanna kill her before me!? JUST LIKE THAT!?"

Outrageous. Should have expected nothing less from him!

"Oh nonono..." Lucifero waved his hand, as if the idea was too outrageous even for him "I will only make her life about 1000 times worse than it already is. Once I know what she planned I will make her life here FAR harder and before that I will take my time with her... So you should expect to have her in the more tattered state once you get to her in outside world."

It didn't sound bad... Outside of one part

"And if we never make it there?" Lucifugus pointed out the chance for failure

Fair question

"We will." And Lucifero dismissed it very quickly

Damn him and his arrogance!

"My lord!" Healer tried shaking his shoulder "We really should leave now!"

"Right..." His senses returned for a moment... But not for long "But before that I bet there was another reason you showed up. What is it? Why didn't you come here in person?"

"My other reason? I prepare something special." Lucifero got a bit more excited there "And it just so happens that I want to also invite YOU for it. As for why I didn't come here personally... well... A filthy hole like that is not fit for a King"

Lucifero announced to Lucifugus in the most arrogant way he could. There was awkward silence for a moment.

What?

"What?" Lucifugus didn't know how to react here

"It sounds nice My King, but Lord Lucifugus we REALLY need to-"

"You see Lucifugus..." Lucifero got a bit closer to the hole, his smile now clearly seen with his sharp fangs and his snow white hair flowing in the air with his every movement "Time of our reckoning is at hand. Time when we are about to escape from this hole! And we are ready to celebrate opening of Qliphoth! We are about to celebrate the coming of GREAT ECSTASY! Celebrate the oncoming slaughter that shall befall the World Behind the Doors! And at 7th level we shall gather!"

Lucifero was definitely excited about this endeavor.

"Seriously!?" Lucifugus on the other hand... Not so much "Is this why my Pens are not here!?"

"Possibly." Lucifero grabbed his chin as if he actually thinks about what Lucifugus is saying "All of Underworld now knows about this oncoming event so it's possible that these worthless Lows and Middles went back to their levels."

"My lord..." Healer tries to reach out to him again

"You are going to celebrate something that may still fail!?" To no avail "Right before it happens!?"

Lucifugus couldn't believe what he was hearing. Is Lucifero really THAT arrogant?!

"It wont fail." Of course he is "And in that world when a minute passes in this one one to two hour go by so we have enough time for a little celebration."

"Wait. Why?" Lucifugus was confused about that last bit "How does that work? Why is time slower here?"

At this question Lucifero seemed stunned. Like he was just personally insulted.

"Wait... you really don't know?" Lucifero's voice sounded... oddly concerned

Lucifugus just shrugged. He had no idea and couldn't care less.

"I... I have nothing to say..." It almost sounded like Lucifero was pitying him "I really don't..."

Do not dwell on it Lucifugus.

"Ugh..." This lack of information was tiresome

"Lord Lucifugus please-"

"Can you tell that Worm again to finally stop talking!" Lucifero pointed at Healer on his shoulder

"...!"

At those words the world went silent and the air in the Workshop grew cold

"What did you call her?" There was something different in his voice now... it seemed empty and yet... it was filled with something terrible. Terrible enough that it would make any lower Devil cower in his presence. Healer felt it as well.

"Lord Lucifugus, please it really isn't-"

"I called it a Worm." Lucifero though was unimpressed "Because that's what it is to the likes of us. If you want you can bring it along with you and some other animals you got there as your personal entourage. That would be a great sight for sore eyes! Seeing a Lord among filth!"

"I warn you Lucifero." Lucifugus was becoming more and more infuriated

Healer was looking at him in disbelief.

"Lord Luci-"

"Of what? Wait! Are you actually doing it?" Lucifero seemed extremely dumbfounded and it looked like he was about to burst into laughter at any moment "Keeping some sort of facade of good will? HAHAHAHA!"

Lucifero's laugh was loud and coarse, the small Devil from before also appeared there again on Lucifero's shoulder, he was laughing too. Lucifugus was getting very irritated... And Healer on his shoulder also looked like she had enough of Lucifero's mockery. Finally the laughter stopped and Lucifero regained some of his composure, albeit with a wide grin now that made Lucifugus's blood boil.

"That's quite funny." He said as he swatted the Low Devil from his shoulder "As if there ever was any good will in you. But we both know better than this!"

Lucifero seemed most amused. Healer though had enough of this.

"Listen my Lord we have something else to-"

"Lucifero... She is a snake." Lucifugus still didn't listen, he was too fed up with Lucifero's shit.

"Is it now?" Lucifero's smile though didn't disappear as he looked closer at Healer "Truly, I couldn't tell the difference... Is there even a difference? Because really... A worm or a snake, it doesn't matter. At the end of the day BOTH end up crawling in the mud, ready to be crushed under my feet."

That was it... Lucifugus had enough of this.

Why do you care?

"...Maybe I will come..." Lucifugus answered in far more normal tone however

"Ugh, My Lord..." Healer felt more and more helpless

"Will you now? Will the Master of Laws and his little circus will grace my castle with his presence?" Lucifero was getting more and more insufferable

"Yes." Lucifugus was deadly serious now "And I will make sure to tear off your horns and stab your eyes with them!"

"MY LORD LISTEN TO MEEEEEEEE!" Healer finally had enough and screamed extremely loudly at Lucifugus right into his ear

Healer's scream was loud and powerful. It was the only thing she could think of to gain her Lord's attention. She was incredibly desperate now.

"EOOOW! THE FUCK!?" Lucifugus grabbed his ear as he looked at Healer who was now far more irritated. It made Lucifugus calm down a bit.

"Wow." Lucifero was seemed to be genuinely impressed "This Worm has quite a voice. Maybe it could sing us a song on our celebre-"

"LIKE HELL I WILL YOU PIECE OF SHIT!" Healer screamed back at Lucifero and his insulting request

That quick outburst caused Lucifero to be quiet for a moment.

"*Sigh* My lord PLEASE we really need to-"

"ENOUGH!"

Lucifero's loud voice was heard and with it the atmosphere changed dramatically. As Healer looked at the portal she saw the fiery pits that were Lucifero's eyes and his face now twisted with unbelievable rage.

"What did you say?" The tone in his voice was terrifying. Even for Lucifugus.

"Ah..." And just now she realized what she did "My King, I didn't mean t-to, I ju-"

*BOOM*

Suddenly an outburst of magic came through the portal and Creep himself seemed to have felt it and almost lost control over his portal

"What! Did YOU! SAY!?" Some parts of the castle that could be seen through the portal started to crack

Lucifero was EXTREMELY angry now.

"I...I..." It looked like she was about to die from the sheer pressure there...

Then suddenly Lucifugus put his left hand over Healer who was on his right shoulder

"She said she wont do it." Lucifugus said with great confidence "And that you are a piece of shit. Hard to disagree with this valid point."

What are you doing?

"Really now?" Lucifero looked at both him and Healer with disgusted look "Lucifugus..."

POV of Pen on 7th level

The anger in this High Devils eyes reminded Pen of Lord Lucifugus. He was happy when he thought of him, of all the things they talked about, of all the work they did. But then something strange happened. In a split second he saw Emissary's face change, from anger to a warm smile. It was odd even for Pen, but then he felt something. A warm feeling engulfed him as he remembered. The wondrous tales of his great Lord, the moments he could hug his horns, the feeling of paper on his head as he fulfilled his purpose as a Pen, the gentle, tickling touch of Healer lady and all the laughs he could have with them... really nice times. And his Lords words

I don't hate both of you as much as anything else.

One of the happiest moments of his life, to know he makes his master happy. This is the best he ever felt. This is... pure joy.

*PUNCH*

But then it was quickly stopped by powerful punch from the High Devil who used this opening to full advantage. Pen somehow managed to move his head a little so it wouldn't damage him as badly as it would normally. It was a powerful punch nonetheless that broke some of his teeth, thankfully there was no pain. Pen looked up at Emissary as he snapped out of his daze. He was looking at his arm and then moved it slightly, it seems like this punch hurt him too.

"Impressive Strong Low." His tone was as genuine as his smile "But don't expect to be so lucky any-"

But before he could finish Pen already rushed at him and tried to punch him again, but Emissary quickly dodged it in nick of time by jumping and tried to kick Pen in the face as he flew in the air, but Pen managed to block it with his other arm, but was still thrown back by the force behind it. He and Emissary both landed on their feet. Then demeanor of Emissary changed. He lost that warm smile.

"*sigh* I guess this should be better for the likes of you." His tone was very different now. Far more... somber.

"What did you say mister?"

Pen was confused. Then another explosion appeared in the background making Pen lose focus for a quick moment, Emissary attacked him in an instant and punched him right in the stomach. It was really powerful and made Pen lose his breath for a moment and cough up small droplets of blood as he was thrown back again. Emissary rushed after him, but Pen jumped out of the way quickly making Emissary hit the ground with his fist, he jumped back very far and then propelled himself off the ground and launched himself at Emissary, but he went out of the way before the punch landed on him and in that moment Pen noticed it.

Void. Nothingness. The endless black space surrounding him. All the world around him, the Devil he now fought, all disappeared in an instant. It was as if time itself slowed down and he was frozen in the air. He felt... bad... downright terrible. Nothing hit him and yet it still hurt... For the first time he felt pain again... It was... awful. He never felt so alone, so helpless. In this moment as his body didn't touch anything he felt as if he was in endless darkness with now way out. There was no sound either as if all his senses suddenly shut down. And in this silence he started to hear his Lords voice... But the words now were

What good for is a Pen without an ink?

Then he remembered how he lost ink today. How he was not useful... Is that what he was right now? A Pen with no ink? Did... did his lord threw him away? Did he asked Space Lord to sent him here? No.. nonononononNONONONO... he doesn't want to be thrown away... He is Pen...PEN! HIS LORDS PEN! LORD LUCIFUGUS'S FAVORITE PEN!

"I AM PEN!" Pen screamed out into the void

"I know."

*PUNCH*

Then another punch landed at his face and threw him very far away. Finally he could see reality again, albeit with dazed perception because of that punch. The burning landscape of this strange level and shadow of the castle high in the sky, on a great mountain. But those terrible feelings didn't leave him. As he landed on the ground and his body rolled on the ground all he could think of was whether or not he was thrown away by his Lord. He sat down on the ground and thought. Is he thrown away? Is he alone? He doesn't want to be alone... NO! Not alone. He is PEN! His purpose is to be Pen!

"My... My lord... I-I'm your Pen..." Pen's voice was shaking "Don't throw me away."

Pen grabbed his cracked head as the thoughts of Healer and his Master became murky. Fading. He was alone. With this Devil. Then Pen slowly looked up and saw Emissary again standing pretty far from him. His face didn't seem to have any smile on it. Just strange melancholy, but before Pen could think about it he noticed something. Part of his view became bloody red. He felt something wet and lukewarm running down his cheek. He touched it and saw what it was... It was blood, coming out of his eye.

"Quite a pathetic sight." Pen could tell he was honest "I'm still impressed though... most beings would be a broken mess at this point, but your will seems to be stronger than most."

His voice carried strange weight to it.

"Huh?" Pen didn't understand "What you talk about?"

Emissary took a deep breath.

"I'm going to kill you anyway so I may as well explain it to you. A reward for your most impressive performance." Emissary pointed at his head with an open arm "My magic is Emotion Control. Every feeling I feel is amplified by a GREAT amount in every creature in my vicinity."

"Uhh?" Pen was weirded out, but he felt a bit better now.

"A bit of happiness turns into brightest joy, a slight hesitation turns to paralyzing fear, a little distain becomes utter hatred, taste of sorrow becomes overwhelming sadness and despair. That is my magic." With every emotion his expression changed and Pen could feel his emotions slightly change as well "It makes most unable to fight me as I kill them and each of their respective feelings are reflected in their minds. And every hit from me amplifies the effect of my magic even further and allows me to control emotions from a greater distance. Sometimes unintentionally. By being constantly in state of despair you will not be able to muster enough strength to beat me, let alone hit me. In other words, you are doomed Strong Low."

"My name is Pen..." Pen answered. He is Pen. That's what he is.

"It doesn't matter anymore..." His somber tone returned "Nothing matters."

Emissary answered and then the feeling of sadness returned as well. But this made Pen realize something.

Pen without ink

And looked at his finger and touched his eye. Blood... ink... There is still ink...

"Ink..." Pen realized now "I'm still good..."

Emissary though paid no heed to his words and rushed at him again, but then...

"Why are you sad?" Pen asked him honestly

Those words stunned Emissary for a moment. The confusion overcame him. But for Pen it was all clear. He uses his feelings to control and amplify feelings of others. Which means he is sad. Pen doesn't like others being sad. But he realized the sad feeling disappeared and so his body instinctively attacked and landed a solid punch onto Emissary's face. 2 sharp fangs flew out of his mouth, but then he quickly counter attacked which Pen managed to block with his hand, but it still was a powerful hit. And both of them send each other away. Emissary quickly disappeared and hid behind one of the rocks as another explosion from afar appeared. He had to quickly hide.

Point of view of Emissary

"FUCK! Damn... This little guy is clever. Shit, I underestimated him. I need to come up with a plan NOW." Emissary had to think of something quick "(But before that I need to turn down my rage, the worst thing I can do is make this little guy angry, his strength would be even greater and even one strike could probably kill me.)"

Emissary tried to calm down. He took a few deep breaths and his mind went back to that view. It was helping... His emotions went back to normal.

"Okay... Time to think." He had to be very quiet now "He is stronger than me physically, somehow, is very durable and the state of happiness leaves him with too much control, possibly effect of that cracked head. Fear could be good, but a cornered animal often is the most dangerous and I don't want to make him stronger. Despair is the best answer here, he is far weaker in this state and he cannot hit me either, I need to keep creating it."

Emissary looked from behind the rock. Pen was looking around, looking for him most likely. Sometimes he screamed "WHY ARE YOU SAD?" or "PLEASE COME WITH ME!" As if that would make any difference. But now Emissary needs to focus. Despair. Sadness. So he touches the place where his horns used to be. Sign of his shame. His failure.

"(A stain that I can't ever remove.)" His thoughts started to go back... To those days.

When I come back...

The glorious days... Right before their fall

"As you said my Lord..." Emissary talked to the image in his mind

I will say my final order

The effect of his great failure

"We are nothing but Flies." Emissary felt it... the pain. The despair.

And cut off those hands.

And his final order never came

"Our Lord of the Flies."

The memories of failure. Terrible defeat, unending shame. Nothing remained. All that fighting... for nothing.

"(But now I should be able to-)"

"Hello..."

Pen was right next to him. And as he turned around.

*SLAM*

Pen punched him right in the face and he went through the rock behind him. His face was most likely already pretty squashed, good thing he was under the effect of the aura or he would be knocked out cold. But for now only one thing was on his mind when he recovered.

"HOW!?" His rage started to resurface, but in last moment he managed to calm it down

"I thought about what you said about your magic... Then I felt bad again, but then I thought... I wonder if it gets stronger as you get closer? AND IT DOES." Pen was definitely very happy about this, especially with Emissary's emotions now being a complete mess "You knew about it?"

Pen asked him in a strangely calm voice. It's like he already forgot about everything he put him through.

"No, I did not." He was honest here

"Hmm..." Pen was thinking for a moment "AH I KNOW!"

And then he rushed in and started punching Emissary in the stomach, but he had none of it and hit Pen HARD with his 2 hands clutched together right onto his head and smashed him into the ground. Those punches were thankfully not very hard, but they still hurt like hell.

"*gasp* *gasp* THE FUCK WAS THAT!?"

Even for him it was abrupt as hell. He tried to stomp on this Low, but he rolled away and got back on his feet.

"I thought if I could punch you then I could give you some of my happiness." Pen said still with his damn grin and Emissary couldn't believe it.

"YOU IDIOT! THIS IS MY POW-" Oh no... "(WAIT! WAIT! TURN DOWN THE RAGE!)"

Emissary quickly calmed himself down and took a deep breath

"Okay... Let's be clear here! You! CANNOT! Do THAT. This magic is MINE. You have DIFFERENT one. Do you understand?" Emissary doubted that personally "(Actually... what IS his magic? He never used one and now that I try to feel it his mana seems extremely low, as if he is from 1st level, this strength is not enhanced.)"

"Oh..." Pen seemed hurt about it

Like talking to a animal... So pretty much what it is. That's... weird.

"BUT HEY! We can soon go together to Lord Lucifugus! We can be good friends then, that should cheer you up." Pen stretched his arms out as if inviting him for a hug "And you may help cheer up Healer! I think she said something about-"

But Emissary stopped listening after he heard that name. Pen then felt something new and looked at Emissary. He seemed... very, VERY angry.

"W-w-who!?"

There was clear, unfiltered anger in his voice now and his whole body started shaking.

"L..Lord Luci-"

"GHKK! GHH!" He was about to explode as he realized WHO'S pen this is "L-LLL-LU-LUCI...LUCIFUGUUUUSSSSS!"

And his rage was finally released

TBC in Chapter 20
"Blood of Broken Pens"

Well. I hope this was a good chapter. Next one will have continuation of this rather emotional fight. And no. I'm not sorry for that pun. Hopefully this was good and I hope you enjoyed it.