Well... This at least I managed to post a bit quicker. To everyone that got this far. Thank you. This means a lot to me. Hope all of you enjoy this story. And please leave a comment. I love reading those.

Chapter 21
"Fate of Broken Pens"

"Then I will not need to ask you for anything ever again." His voice was a like a quiet breeze carrying the weight and strength of a storm. A whisper that could shatter mountains.

It was a long time since Lucifugus heard Lucifero being this serious. This was no laughing matter now. Especially with this Creep before him, ready to attack him as well. He is not going to survive this. All he can do is keep Healer hidden with his hand.

No. Just run. Or better yet. Kill her in front of him. Squash her. Crush her. And once his back is turned-

"(Shut up!)" He commanded this voice, but he could feel his hand slightly twitch, as if it wanted to obey

"Tell me Lucifugus..." He was now far closer, whispering into his ear "With both of us here and that worm occupying one of your hands, how far do you think this act of defiance will take you? How far do you think you can go on defying ME! Your own King..."

Lucifero was deadly serious. Lucifugus could feel his body wanting desperately to fall on it's knees and his hand and fingers stiffening around Healer. Subconsciously he was ready to kill her now, if only to get away from this... And yet... he couldn't.

"Hehehe..." A small snicker could be heard, it wasn't Lucifero's voice thought "Lordy Lucifugus is SCARED!"

Then the Low Devil came from Lucifero's shoulder. This Devil... It was the same one he hit with his finger, that pet of that fat Middle. Now this Low was wearing his top hat and was far more inssufferable. He jumped right on top of Lucifugus's hand that covered Healer. He couldn't tell why he was here or why he is with Lucifero and he couldn't care less.

"Stop doing this." Lucifero demanded some restraint from this Low. He was going to be disappointed.

"But my Loooord..." And now this Low started to whine "I wanna see him tremble before you!"

Low said as he looked on shaking hand of Lucifugus. He could tell that he was enjoying this sight. Lucifugus felt ashamed of not killing this garbage of a Devil when he had the chance.

"And the Middle inside that hand..." And now the tone in his voice took another infuriating tone

Low continued as he jumped onto Lucifugus's shoulder where Healer was. Now hidden by his hand. Lucifugus felt rising anger inside him. Ready to blow up.

"Ah yes, that worm..." It almost felt like he already forgot about her existence "Tell me Lucifugus... Will you bring it to our celebration? Or will you defy me this one last time?"

Lucifero said with sinister tone and Lucifugus could feel him creating a singularity in his hand and Creep right before him started creating his own attack at the tip of his finger. He had no choice. There never was a choice... Not with Lucifero...

"I will..." For some reason Lucifugus felt deep shame when he said those words... It felt like... he failed. Again.

When this word was said the singularity was gone from Lucifugus's hand and Creep lowered his own. The Low Pet of Lucifero seemed not amused by this turn of events.

"Oohh." Lucifugus felt deep hatred for this thing "I wanted to see him get shredded..."

"Maybe another time." Lucifugus hoped that wasn't a promise "But for now. Thank you for your cooperation. I do hope this celebration will prove to be the most entertaining for the likes of you... and that worm."

Lucifero said as he leaned closer to where Healer was, reaching out to her with his hand until-

"(NO!)" This word echoed throughout his mind as he saw it

A black mist surged around his hand. Not allowing Lucifero to touch her.

"AAA!" Low one also jumped back just in time to not be hit. Oh the disappointment in Lucifugus's mind was immense

But one crucial thing on his mind was his magic. The nature of this magic at this point was mystery even to Lucifugus. So much he forgot, even what kind of Devil he is. But he could tell that Healer was safe... For now.

And why does that matter? Why does that Middle's life matter to you? It doesn't. We both know that. She isn't worth-

"(Shut up!)" Lucifugus screamed in his mind. He was really sick of this voice... But was it correct?

"Hmph..." Lucifero didn't seem impressed, but took his hand away all the same "I guess we will meet in person on our celebration Worm. I look forward to it."

Lucifero whispered to Lucifugus's hand as he leaned back with the Low once again on his own shoulder. It was still extremely strange that this Devil somehow got himself so close to Lucifero.

"Can we go now?" Lucifugus was tired of this already and he had to go find Pen.

"Be my guest... but one more question..." Of course there is one "Why do you want to find that Low? I think I remember it, it seemed like a cheerful being, really liking it's position for some odd reason. Sometimes you worked with it in my palace as infuriating as that was. Still remember how it ruined one of my portraits. Little scum."

"(Of course he did)" Lucifugus didn't know if he cursed Pen or admired him now

"Why do you want to find it?" Lucifero asked

"He is my Pen and now I want to fire him." Lucifugus said. He didn't care to tell entire story. Not like this cunt would ever care.

"Then why wont you just let it perish on 7th level?" Another question, this one far harder to answer "That would be simple."

"That's precisely why I need to go there..." He said with confidence... as much confidence as he could muster in this situation

"Huh? You want to ruin that little thing's life by yourself? Hehe... You can't anyone else have that satisfaction now do you?" Lucifero said, he was barely holding his laughter.

Lucifugus wanted to scream back at him for this insolence, but no words came out. Not even a slight movement of his head.

Could it be because he is correct?

"(No...He is not!)" Lucifugus pushed against this notion... But is it true?

"Truly... I have to applaud you." He was actually clapping now, his Low also joined in... The sound of it was absolutely terrible... It felt like every fiber of Lucifugus's being was hurt just by listening to every single one "Truly among us YOU are the most despicable Devil. Congratulations!"

Lucifero said as he went into the portal.

"Bye bye, Despicable One!" Low one screamed at him as the portal closed.

Leaving only him, Healer and Creep alone. Finally Lucifugus released her from the protection of his hand. She was now laying on his shoulder, shaking like she was now in middle of a blizzard. This even seemed to have shaken Healer to her very core, what a small, weak thing she was now... it didn't feel right. As Lucifugus looked at her he felt like a complete failure for some reason. Then his attention went back to Creep.

"(Right. Pen.)" His mind went back on track "Listen... We need to get to the 7th level. I need to find that Low."

Creep didn't answer. Just stared.

"You are not doing this!" He wanted to scream at him now, but for now he only got closer to him "Tell me you are not doing this!"

No answer. Just silence.

"M-my l-lord..." Healer slowly got up from her position "M-maybe you sh-should..."

Healer could barely talk. This was definitely a straining experience for her.

"Listen... Fuck!" He couldn't find right words

What do you want to do? What do you think you are about to do?

"(Something I should have done long ago)" He answered this voice

No. Let him die... There is nothing you can gain from saving that Pen. His life is not worth this shame!

"(Fuck off.)" He didn't listen

You have to know that by now. Stop fooling yourself... get rid of this weakness!

"(FUCK OFF!)" He didn't want to listen

Don't do this. You are Lucifugus. You are a Supreme-

"FUCK OFF!"

Lucifugus screamed into the sky as this voice pushed him too far... Creep and Healer were visibly surprised by this. Then Creep's face turned back into his default, indifferent look, shrugged and turned around.

"WAIT NO! THAT WASN'T AIMED AT YOU!" Lucifugus screamed as he grabbed his hand.

It felt strange. Cold. Distant. And yet... it made him feel strangely nostalgic. Creep turned around and looked him dead in the eye with his strange, emotionless eyes.

"Listen... I don't what the fuck is happening to me!" Lucifugus pointed at his head "I don't fucking know what's going on anymore..."

Creep at those words pointed at his head and started slowly moving it in circular motion. Lucifugus got the message clearly.

"Yeah, probably..." It felt painful "But what I know is that I NEED to go to 7th level... Please..."

He never thought he would plead like this... Not in front of him at least. It felt so odd... alien... Creep stared at him more. Lucifugus finally let go of his hand

"*sigh* Fine..." And then turned back to his table.

"MY LORD! PLEASE NO-"

"WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M DOING!?" Lucifugus screamed at Healer, shutting her up.

Then he looked up at the music box he got out of his desk and opened it. And put out the disk. "Keep Struggling" was written on it. From Walgner. He put it in a box and came back to Creep and handed it to him.

"Here... It's the disk, signed by Walgner..." He hoped it would work, it was the last thing he could do "I...I'm sorry. For insinuating that you liked something more from them. Implying that they were becoming worse. It was uncalled for. So here, take this. As my apology. Either way... I don't think I need this as much as you."

Creep slowly took the disk from his hand and looked at it. For the first time his eyes changed a little. What this feeling in them was Lucifugus couldn't tell exactly. Was it joy? Sorrow? Annoyance? Whatever it was, it was something. Something awakened in him as he looked at the signed disk.

"So... will you take us there?" This was the last chance

Creep looked up at him and slowly nodded his head as the portal opened behind him.

"Thank you..." Lucifugus actually smiled when he said it. It was like a great burden was now lifted off of his shoulders

"Truly thank you My Lord!" Healer bowed her head

Healer was overjoyed, but her way of addressing him awakened something in Lucifugus. A question. For a moment he couldn't stop himself.

"What is your name?"

At that question Creep looked back at him...

"Okay listen..." He raised his hands in defense "Let's not have any stupid misunderstanding here again. You never speak and NO ONE ever speaks your name... I've been stuck with this job FOR CENTURIES at least! And I don't think anyone else remembers your name! So I need to ask you now to make this embarrassment come to an end and it's most likely more than Lucifero would ask you. WHAT IS YOUR NAME!?"

For a moment he was silent again and then he spoke up.

"Beelzebub." his voice was calm and quiet, but there was no malice in it

"...Wait... Really? Just like that?" It almost felt too easy

Beelzebub nodded.

"You may call me Bill if you want." His voice deep, but strangely innocent... It reminded him of Pen.

"I...wont do that... thank you..." He felt a bit embarrassed about this suggestion

"Lord Lucifugus... Lord Beelzebub... we REALLY need to go." Healer hurried them up

"Ah yes... yes..." His mind was focused again "Let's go."

7th level from Healer's POV

Beelzebub nodded and all of them went into a portal. It took them a few tries. Some jumping around the level, looking through several battlefields, but finally they found him. He was surrounded by bunch of Devils, he was bloody all over, his horns were gone, there was a piece of meat stuck in his mouth and for some reason he had a damn High Devil around his body. Seemed like Pen was carrying him. A Devil who also had no horns. And then Healer noticed something else... a scar on the right side of his face. It was him.

"Emissary..." She whispered to herself as she noticed him... the last opponent of Warmonger

"HELLO MY LORD!" Pen started waving at them, being completely oblivious to the danger he was in.

Rest of Devils quickly backed off from the presence of two Supreme Devils as they approached Pen and his new "acquaintance".

"I FOUND A NEW PEN!" Pen said as he pointed at Emissary.

Lucifugus POV

That face... Lucifugus also recognized him. Emissary... Emissary of Lord of the Flies... The one who's presence always proceeded the Lord of the Flies's arrival, the one that could by himself destroy entire armies and make even some Supreme Devils afraid of his presence. To think Pen was able to take him down. And what irony it means for him.

"Enough Pen..." Lucifugus said with a stern tone "We are going. Now!"

"Oh right right..." Pen quickly nodded his head "HEALER! HELP NEW PEN!"

"My name is Emissary dimwit." Emissary said with hint of annoyance

Healer's POV

"Uhh.. right right." She was a bit hesitant, but she complied.

Healer quickly flew up to him and picked him up. It was quite a straining experience for her

"I can fly on my own... Thank you." Emissary said as he started to fly with his wings

Healer though still felt very uncomfortable in his presence... To think he was the one... Then she noticed.

"Pen..." She pointed at the mentally challenged Low "Your horns..."

"Uh...?" Pen started touching back of his head "AHHH... MY HORNS! WHERE ARE THEY!?"

Pen screamed and started running around looking for them. Lucifugus didn't seem amused by this display and neither was Healer, but she could tell what happened and that Emissary also knew. One of them picked them up and both Healer and Emissary pointed at him which made both Lucifugus and Creep to notice this petty thief. Only a small glance from those 2 was enough to make him shake and quickly drop them.

"Ahh, thank you sir!" Pen said to the Devil as he picked them up, hugged them and slammed them into the back of his head. Healer couldn't help but cringe at this sight.

"Pen..." she put one of her hands on her forehead "You can regrow your horns."

"Oh..." At those words Pen put them out of his head, making Healer even more annoyed

"Ugh, I didn't mean-"

And then Pen closed his eyes, held his breath and his face puffed... Seems like it was his idea of concentrating, but it worked and had them grow back in seconds. Then turned to the Devil that had them.

"Here..." Pen's smile was very bright "You may need them more than me kind sir."

And handed his horns to him. He seemed baffled to say the least while other Devils couldn't stop laughing. But Pen wasn't there to hear it as he went back after his lord. And all of them went to the portal.

In the Workshop from Healer's POV

"Thank you again Beelzebub" Lucifugus was very grateful. They got there just nick of time.

But as Lucifugus was thanking him Healer took care of Emissary like Pen wanted. Slowly she was closing his wounds.

"When are you going to fix my ear?" He said, pointing at his missing ear.

Healer was mostly just annoyed. To think she was now healing him.

Closing wounds and creating new parts are two different things. For latter one it will take more time without the missing part.

"I cannot regrow part of your body... I would need the missing part." Healer explained to him as simply as she could.

Emissary's POV

"Really now?" He crossed his arms and then looked in direction of the culprit "PEN!"

Emissary screamed at Pen. It hurt quite a bit due to the wounds, but it did made Pen turn around.

"Hello?" Pen asked and still had that fucking piece of ear in his mouth

Emissary quickly grabbed the piece of his ear still dangling off of Pen's tooth. Pen just laughed a bit.

"Will this be enough?" He showed it to her

Healer's POV

"Uhh... yes..." She reluctantly took it

She had so many questions now. What happened in that fight? Why Pen was chewing on his ear? Why was Pen seemingly fighting so brutally... But then again she couldn't find an answer on far more important question... Why she is helping him?

"You were looking at me in a weird for a while." He pointed out "What is it?"

Emissary asked bluntly. He had none of her secrecy.

"That scar on your face..." She pointed at it "Who made it?"

A question she knew the answer to. She just wondered if he does as well. He touched his face and was lost in thoughts for a moment. Then after a while he seemed to realize.

Emissary's POV

All the memories went back to him in this moment. Of that day, of this strange encounter with that Devil... And...

"Yeah... Some 4th level High..." He stopped touching it and looked at his hand. He could still feel his scar on it "Gotta be honest I never would've guessed there is a Devil that can bypass this gap in power so much... Besides our Pen over there..."he pointed at Pen who was now sitting, lost in his own thoughts "I must-"

Then he looked at her again. He noticed what even this Middle didn't seem to... She smiled. She was smiling. It was a small smile, mix of sweet happiness and bitter sorrow. He knew it far too well.

"Someone does remember you Warmonger." She said in a very quiet tone, but the one he could hear clearly

But Emissary decided not to dwell on it for now. Then he noticed that the talk between Beelzebub and Lucifugus was almost finished.

Lucifugus's POV

"So... can we move on from that?" Lucifugus asked him... no answer came besides portal opening behind Beelzebub and him turning around.

"I guessed as much..." He lowered his head for a moment "But..."

Then another question resurfaced, a question in desperate need for an answer.

"Why are you so blindly loyal to Lucifero? Why?" Lucifugus just couldn't understand "You can't be this blind to what he becomes!"

Once Lucifugus was done Beelzebub answered.

"It's Lucifero..." his tone was monotone and cold, but there was a hint of emotion there... as alien as it was "Is there any other reason?"

He said as he went into the portal and it closed.

"I guess not." Lucifugus said as he sit back in the chair, disappointed "I guess some things never change. Bloody fool."

Silence fell upon the workshop again. Until Pen spoke up.

"Don't worry my Lord!" He got up from his position with great amount of energy "Getting back to work will get us on track!"

...

Those words hurt him more than they had any right to. Healer seemed hurt as well. Emissary on the other hand looked very indifferent, but he most likely could notice the change in atmosphere. It was heavy... so heavy it was hard to breathe...

"I don't like this kind of thing..." Well... once he did... But something changed "So I will be as quick as possible here."

Lucifugus said as he turned around to Pen who still had a smile on his face. Healer looked like she wanted to say something, but couldn't. All she did was step aside with eyes full of grief.

"You are no longer my Pen." Lucifugus said with his heart beating at an unusual rate... It made him want to tear it out and crush just to be free of this moment

"Huh? But... I am... Pen" Pen pointed at himself "My name is Pen..."

Pen really didn't didn't seem to comprehend this situation

"You are no longer a Pen... You are just a Broken Pen now..." Lucifugus had to get rid of him... it was harder than he thought it would. His hands started shaking again as if Lucifero's presence also returned.

"B..But I am! I'm not Broken, I STILL HAVE INK." Pen screams as he stabs his throat with his finger, making blood pour out. "LOOK!"

"PEN WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?" Healer screamed and quickly rushed up to him and healed that wound. But Pen just shoved her aside.

"I'm not broken!" He came closer to him with his eyes slowly filling with red substance "I still have use! MY LORD PLEASE!"

Pen said as he showed his bloody finger making Lucifugus even more frustrated.

*SLAM*

"You ARE broken." he slammed his hand right in front of Pen "Healer already told me! If I write with you as much as a one page you will die!" He screamed loud and clear, making sure that this damn Low understands

"M..My-"

*SLAM*

"This!"

*SLAM*

"Is!"

*SLAM*

"FINAL!"

Each slam of his hand got closer and closer to Pen. Stopping mere millimeters in front of him. Even Healer backed away now and Emissary was sitting peacefully on the side.

"As a Pen, you no longer have use, so you are NOT one anymore. DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?" his frustration was great and his voice was full of rage... but pointed at whom? At the broken tool... Or the one that broke it in the first place?

"Uhh...aah..." Nameless Low was... crying now "B..bu...I..."

He was shaking in place. As if he was in middle of a raging snow storm. He fell on his knees and his head fell to the desk.

"Don't worry Pen." Healer slowly approached him and put her hand one his shoulder, trying to comfort him "He didn't mean it in this way."

"(Why did I say it like this!?)" Even Lucifero was terrified of his tone now... It was wrong... Horribly wrong "(It's not what I wanted.)"

Or is it? Maybe this is really what you feel. This is what you really are. A despicable one. A true Supreme one. Lucifu-

"(Shut the fuck up!)" He really wanted this to stop

"I am Pen..." This low's whole body started to convulse as he let out more of his ragged breaths "That's my name..."

Hi-...Pen's voice was weak. Very weak.

"I know that..." Lucifugus couldn't imagine another name for him "But you can't be one... not anymore..."

Lucifugus didn't feel well either. He felt sick... he felt like tearing this entire room apart, setting it ablaze and letting himself burn with it... By all the Underworld he wanted to be dead.

"Ah..." Pen pulled his head up and looked Lucifugus in the eyes "Don't throw me away..."

Pen said, making everyone feel tad bit weaker. Besides Emissary of course.

"Hmm, maybe he does have the same magic as me" had his own way of dealing with this

"I..." No... He would never... Would he? "I don't..."

"Please don't throw me away!" Pen said as he hugged Lucifugus's hand "Please... I don't want to be alone... PLEASE! DON'T THROW ME AWAY, I BEG YOU! PLEASE MY LORD! Don't throw me awaaaay..."

Pen started to scream in despair as he hugged his hand tighter and blood came out of his eyes in great amounts. Lucifugus looked at Healer, to seek some help in dealing with this, but she looked like she was deadly ill. Then Lucifugus remembered her story. The image of a broken heart of Warmonger must have been now flashing before her eyes. Lucifugus though... his hand now resting on the desk started clenching, slowly destroying it with his fingers.

He threw me away!

His own words still echoing in his mind... Lucifero...

"I'm NOT throwing you away!" Lucifugus said as his voice grew weaker and weaker.

Maybe you shou-

"AND YOU! STOP TALKING! OR I'LL RIP YOU TO SHREDS WHATEVER YOU ARE!"

Lucifugus screamed at the ceiling. Healer seemed to not be able to comprehend what was going on. All the while Pen's eyes started to become foggy, all this loss of blood, he was slowly killing himself now. And Emissary...

"GOOD FUCKING LORD!"Emissary screamed up "JUST GIVE HIM A NEW POSITION YOU MORONS!" He... had enough of this.

Emissary's POV

He really had enough of this bullshit and had to stand up against it. What the hell was this pathetic show he was now witnessing?! His scream at least was able to get their attention.

"For fuck sake people! Do you all have screws loose in your horned heads?" He pointed at his head with his both arms

Silence was the answer

"Right..." he just shook his hands and sat down again "Stupid question."

"I...I think he is correct" Healer was first to speak up

"But... I am Pen... I don't have any other name... I don't remember another one..."

Pen still seemed to be defeated.

"WAIT!" Lucifugus quickly stood up. Reinvigorated seemingly. "I got it!"

Lucifugus's POV

"My lord?" Lucifugus now had Pen's full attention

"While I cannot use you as my Pen, I DO have a role for you..." Lucifugus said and it seemed to be working as Pen stopped crying his life out "You will be my Listener."

"Huh?" Pen was understandable weirded out, but his form seemed to get better as he stood up.

"You will be the one that will listen to my ramblings, talk to me and ensure I wont go insane." He shook his hands and it almost looked like he was about to grab Pen, but quickly pulled them away. Rather odd way of making his point "And you will be the one to also remember everything I tell you in case I lose my memories again."

"But... My name..." He pointed at himself

"Yes... about that... If I have to... REALLY have to... If there is no other choice in this damn Underworld." He stretched out his hands for a bit "I will use you as my Pen one last time. You will be my final option that I will take when nothing else is left in the world. Does that sound good?"

"I...I..." Pen couldn't speak for a moment. Both him and Healer were quite concerned, but hoped for the best.

"YES!"

Pen jumped in the air. He seemed extremely happy now. Healer sighed in relief. Great relief. Emissary definitely couldn't care less, but even he had to admit, it was nice to not see this the Devil that beat him in such sorry state. Lucifugus though... it was a mystery... even for him. He just sat back and looked at his book. The book because of which all of this is happening. The book he was writing since time immemorial. The one Lucifero put on him, essentially bounded him to...

"(Should I condemn him for it... or thank him...? Why is this even a question...?)" He truly didn't know

Exactly... Why?

"(What happened?)"

Lucifugus asked himself as he looked at jumping Pen who now grabbed Healer and started dancing with her around all the while Emissary was sitting there quietly laughing at this.

"(What happened?)"

Then he realized something as he looked at Emissary. Yeah... The job still needs to be done.

"Alright time's up."

Lucifugus said now in his usual very strict tone

Pen quickly stopped dancing around and released Healer who after fixing her back flew up to his shoulder, ready to continue their work and ever since that meeting with Lucifero, it felt good to have her there, it felt safe and he could tell she felt the same. It was strange. But he wouldn't replace it for anything. Then Lucifugus grabbed Emissary.

"Hey! Wowowow." He started shaking as Lucifugus with quick movement of his hand turned him head down "What the FU-"

*SLAM*

And slammed him right into the book, spilling blood and parts of his skull all over it.

"It's your first day, but don't think I will go easy on you." Oh how good it felt to do something like this again

And he started writing with him, finishing the sentence he left ever since Pen stopped working. The pain in Emissary's voice was great delight for his ears.

"OW! FUCK! SHIT! CUNT!" Emissary was cursing all the way through

"And you Pen!" Lucifugus turned to Pen "Tell me about your meeting with this Emissary over here."

Lucifugus asked him. Healer smiled at the question.

"Ohoh!" Pen clapped, he was very exited to tell his own story "RIGHT AWAY MY LORD!"

And so Pen started telling them in his own amusing way. It made Lucifugus smile as another sentences and laws were made. For now, everything is back to normal and so the writing of the book continues and another chapter of this broken road is ready to be made. He felt... content. For now...

TBC in chapter 22
"Do you not hate me?"

A long chapter it is. Sorry for constant change in point of views. When I originally wrote it I had a bit of an issue with it. I'll try to work on this. But for now I hope you all enjoyed this little story arc about Broken Pens. Next on the list is a dive into Emissary himself.