Song for quiet bird

by SoulfulAzrael

Moxxie is hired by Stolas to write a song for Stella for her birthday. This rather terrifying endeavor turns into a strange study of Moxxie of Stella's character where he sees something... familiar and discovers more about both her and her family. Also keep in mind. This will vary HEAVILY from the show now that Season 2 started.

12. Light in the Tower's Shadows

Fucking hell did this take a while. Sorry for this long break. Explanation for why it took so long is simple... Baldur's gate 3. A very good game I played for a while now. But that is for later. Enjoy the chapter. Hopefully you like it.

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Chapter 12

"Light in the Tower's Shadows"

"Hear me Lord Governor! HEAR ME!"

Stella finally finished her speech and bowed her head once again. Right now she felt like she was hanging from the edge of a cliff leading into endless abyss below and to both her legs were chained two heavy boulders.

She could not let herself fall, but could not get herself up this cliff either. She had to keep herself like this, hanging on the edge. To pull herself up would mean being arrogant, looking like she already won. That could not be allowed. But at the same time she could not give up to the feeling of immediate doom. This balance had to be kept.

But as she looked up at the figure of Great Governor and King of Silence beside him she felt deep, primal fear. Beings of endless might and power. Figureheads of Law and Order of this realm. Pillars of everything she stands for and everything she lives for. Right now she actively defies the judgement they made centuries ago, but she had no choice. There was no choice in this matter. She had to keep herself from falling. No matter what.

"Here I stand to speak the truth!" Lord Derangi's voice echoed across the realm of Judgement

Lady Stella listened carefully to their every word.

"I will hear you Lord Derangi. Representative of Law Enforcers."

To the disdain of their Forefather…

"I can attest to Lady Stella's deeds and diligence in serving the Order. She is an example of a Goetia ready to do anything to serve what they believe in and do it without question. It is a great gift for the side of Order to have someone like her and the deeds of her family combined I believe outweigh their failure…"

"(Whatever it is that you wish of me Lord Derangi I shall give.)"

There was no other choice in Stella's mind.

"I believe in their wisdom and strength."

There was hint of reassurance in those words. One only noticeable to her.

"Hohoho. So now let me speak."

Canelya… Stella wondered what she would want. She already knows she will.

"As representative of Emissaries I am in support of Lady Stella's cause. It is a logical thing to want such valuable asset in our circle. While their failure is undeniable there is a great value to get from them."

To be an Emissary is to follow the law of Lord Lucifuge, follow his words, spread them, enforce them… Could Stella even call herself one by this defiance?

"I Lord Berith, Sword of Rise speak for Order of Heaven's Fire."

Lord she valued deeply. Loyal, strong and skilled. Among Goetias there were few she respected as much as him.

"I am most certain in Lady Stella's family's strength. I have fought at her family's side and I can say with utmost certainty that they are welcome in our circle."

Stella still remembers his sparring sessions against father. To see such skill in handling a weapon. The movement of his hands and legs as he swung his saber… There was a time she dreamed of a spouse such as he. Truly it was never to be. Soon enough she discarded all useless dreams.

"I Prince Gaap speak against this horrendous notion."

Of course… Imp…

But it is a day that wont leave you for all eternity either. And I will not stand idly as you put more suffering on yourself like this My Lady.

It was odd not to hate one. It was odd to look fondly on one. It was… unacceptable. Repulsive. And yet she could not stop it.

"I don't think I speak alone in that the failure of her family is too severe to forgive even after 8 thousand years. Much less hundreds. Not to mention the things her husband gets up to. How can she speak of being one for Order and allowing such... disgrace to fester in her own abode?"

Stolas…

That useless assassin! If only he killed him at the day of Harvest Moon. Perfect time and opportunity and now… Now everything she did may die.

"He speaks of Prince Stolas, is that right?" Lucifuge's tone was full of deadly, but slow venom, clearly savoring every word he has

But Stella could only think of that hybrid's failure. A failure that may as well destroy all of her work now. A failure who's cause is not just the assassin, but also… the bard.

"Your husband. The one who sullies this world with his hedonism.

And yet...

"His horrendous passions. One who is rumored to give away power meant for us to ones lower than him."

She feels hesitant to blame him.

"For-"

Why?

"I would recommend keeping such things away from this matter." Lord Derangi then spoke up "This matter is about Lady Stella's family cut off at this very moment from such affairs. It is Paimon's bloodline who is responsible for this unchecked chaos to fester. I believe this even more so shows the righteousness in accepting this choice. In order to stop this chaos from festering any further."

Whatever Lord Derangi's price will be… It will never, ever be enough.

"I would have to agree."

And then Lord Marbas joined as well to her surprise. Then again, his adoration for Kings Vine and Purson may play a part in this.

"This woman was of great help for me and my benefactor King Purson. Her contribution helped our cause in finding better ways to heal those afflicted by flaws in our very beings. She proved herself to be a true believer, a true soul devoted to Order and prosperity of this and any other realm of Hell. Hear me Lord Lucifuge. Hear my words."

She spared no expenses in funding the cause of King Purson. To fix flaws lingering in the very existence of many Goetias like Lord Berith… or King Vine himself. Sometimes despite no apparent ownership of such a flaw Stella wondered if she truly had one. Or maybe even several.

"Then it isss time for meeee hihihi."

Serene, the one thing she would prefer to be far away from. She wondered even now which side she would join. What does the snake of Belial values most?

"As represssentative of Arssss Nobeliassss I believe in her caussse. I sssuport her and ssso do all Nobeliasss who have her to thank for ssstability in our ranksss."

Surprising, but not unwelcome. Then again, if not for the information Stella gave this Snake she would be long dead in some ditch on Pride, murdered by another rival thirsty for power of King Belial. Nobelias are truly pathetic in their existence, to take power from one lord to fuel themselves and kill one another for more. But Stella right now felt relieved she chose well who to relieve of their unearned noble title. But this snake will definitely try to get closer to her through that.

"I- I do." Bartholomev spoke

'Tis was a noble that earned his title probably more so than any other. A Hound Stella recognized and respected.

"As representative of Gates of Bone I believe the right course of action is acceptance of this request." His words were at first quiet and meek, but that was soon to change

Bartholomev was like a ball falling down from a tall mountaintop. It takes time, but eventually he becomes a force very few could stop.

"In her is carried the blood of the Gatekeeper. In her is the spirit of the Gates! In her I see strength one can only find amidst the greatest of knights. We carry the memory of the Gatekeeper and so does the woman standing before you on this day! We are standing here in support of returning her family to status worthy of them! To their forefather!"

Stella rarely thought of him, she did not know him really, but whenever she heard of him she felt pride in who he was. She felt longing to know who he was. Never to be. Only thing left is that thing…

"I heard words of protest and the words of encouragement. I heard the arguments for acceptance and words of defiance." Lord Agares, the ancient title giver now speaks

An ancient Demon he was. One of the first to walk in the light of heaven. Few could be said to be as old and feel their age. It must be a flaw, a severe one, but one worn with pride.

"And while the cause has more numerous supporters in here I have to also agree with those on the defiant side."

Those words made Stella's body feel all the heavier. She felt raging storm inside her made of despair and rage.

"A failure to protect the King is a failure heavier than almost any other. It is one that wont be washed away in but a few hundred years. And to let Chaos spread like this in one's own house by the actions of their spouse are not ones to be overlooked."

Stolas… Stolas… And that imp, bard, Mo-? Wait. Why does she even remember this name? What does it mean anything? Why can't she simply hate an obstacle like this?

"But there is no denying the value of your deeds. The value you and your family brought to our world. I am not blind to your determination, but this is a decision beyond someone like me, but whatever the decision ends up being I will support it and if necessary I will with pride give your family a proper welcome to cradle of your Forefather. I will grant them their noble name once more."

Those words were a relief. It was no victory, but it was also no failure. A neutral stance was to be expected of this Goetia. Stella just hoped her lack of balance was not noticed by anyone.

"Baal. What do you think?"

Lucifuge's voice now was few moments away from exploding into terrible rage. It was hopeful for Stella, but one thing now was keeping her away from climbing up the cliff. One gesture of the Silent King. Will it be a crash into the floor in defiance or…

…

…

Silence and at the corner of her eye she saw it. The scepter hanging in the air, held by King Baal. She did it.

She actually did it.

But…

"Understood." What will The Governor do?

If there was one opinion she knew would never be moved it was his. Their Forefather bearing more hatred towards them than anyone ever could or ever would.

"I heard the words of others clearly. Words for and against. Words of virtue and disobedience. My mind remains the same as it was before this very day. As it was always for all those years."

His voice was like a powerful Tempest now crashing with all it's might into her

"But I can't deny the words of the Council as a whole. I can't ignore the actions. I can't ignore facts. Although the lack of unanimity is a great disturbance, one hard to ignore."

What will happen now? Just say it! SAY IT!

"I hear you Stella."

He hated her. But he was holding this disdain back at this moment. For what purpose?

*STEP*

He took a step towards her. She felt like she was about to fall into this abyss she felt below her.

"I hear you."

*STEP*

"I heard your request."

*STEP*

"I heard the voices."

*STEP*

She felt his presence right above her. He was something she could never truly stand up against. Very few if anyone could in this or any other realm. She wondered if this was how one Imp feels before her.

"Hereby the decision is made."

A sheath of paper appeared in the hand of the Governor and the flaming words appeared upon it and some of their embers fell before Stella.

"From this day forth and forever after until proven wrong the decision is made that members of House of Furcas: Knight Furcas known as The Walking Star, his young and those connected to him through contract of marriage are welcome once more in the circle of nobility and are free to bear the name Rofocale."

… Something changed…

"But be aware that the Decision shall be signed later on. When it is known that you and your family truly deserve this chance, but for nowbe proud of this achievement."

She feels so light. So free.

"My great granddaughter."

No longer is she at a cliff. She is now standing proudly above it. Looking at the sight before her. Her duty to her family fulfilled. She did it. She truly did it. But as the horizon between her spreads out, as she looks beyond the cliff and the abyss below she sees no path forward. Where is it that she can go?

No. She can't think like this. Decision is not final, she has to make sure it's not destroyed. She has to make sure Stolas does not ruin them any further. She has to. More so than ever before she has to focus on that. Even if it means using… him.

"Next for Judgement."

But for now she will bask in this light. She stood up feeling her feathers ruffle in the wind, her breath becoming heavy, her heart beating almost as much as when she heard the melody of that imp. She felt… good. She had to contain it. She moved swiftly towards the edge of the platform and the rocks moved by Agares's will lead her towards her seat among other nobles. Some looking proud and happy, others indifferent and others clearly disappointed. But she did not care less for any of it because the truth right now was one.

She won.

And she will not let anyone take it away.

She stood now upon the platform where she returned to her place. Upon the faces of Lord Berith and Bartholomev were gentle smiles, Lord Derangi looked at her with his usual hardened expression while his wife seemed rather amused. Of all of them Prince Gaap seemed the most displeased. He most definitely wanted to say something, but he simply looked away, toying with the Golden Scepter in his hand. The sight of it reminded Stella of something.

"(Bard)"

Stella looked in the direction of the main platform and started looking around. She made sure not to move her head too much to avoid suspicions of looking for something specific. All around she saw countless pairs of Noble eyes locked in on her being. Some filled with disdain, others with amazement, but so far she did not see the 'Maximilian'.

"Does anyone else desire to voice their request and let it be judged?" The raspy voice of Agares echoed across the void

His voice was raspy and tired, but it had a power of an earthquake behind it as well. Immediately grabbing attention of all that were present there. No one spoke up. No one dared to voice a request and possibly bring the anger of the Lord Governor upon them. Stella knew that as well, that is why it was important to be the first to voice her request. If it was done any time later it would lead to a disaster. Lord Lucifuge would have less patience and the audience would not pay as much attention, further forcing compliance from them. Stella knew how it worked and she had to act swiftly. Thankfully it paid off.

"I see." Agares said and picked up a large scroll from the sleeve of his robe "Then we shall proceed with the planned Judgements. First one to stand before us is a Hound, a former tool of Earl Furfur."

At the very end of the Throne Platform were now two figures. One was a Law Enforcer holding a chain tied to the hounds neck which on the inside had sharp spikes and it's hands were locked by big and heavy metal shackles. It was a filthy thing to look at. It was a dirty wolf, it's black and white fur was in disarray, full of mud and insects with only thing covering it being dirty, old rags and even from as far away as Stella was she could tell this Hound was terribly reeking. The only thing that was not filthy about this thing was their red and white eyes. It was a young male from what she could tell. It moved forward with their head bowed down and bitter expression on their snout. Law Enforcer was about the same height as them, may have also been another hellhound, it would have been most amusing irony. Finally they both stopped close to the throne.

*HIT*

The Enforcer from behind kicked one of it's legs, forcing it to kneel. The Hound growled angrily, but did not attack.

"The crime was committed against it's master." Agares continued "Attempted assassination on Earl Furfur who barely got to live as their throat was slashed open by the Knife made of Divine Light of Heaven and is now in critical condition."

Stella almost regretted this Hound did not finish him off completely. Furfur is a very well known liar and scoundrel. Always ready to fill in his own pocket and ready to take it away from everyone that ever associates themselves with him. An exemplary Mephisto's Brethren.

"How does the tool plea?" Agares said, it almost sounded like a mockery

"Grr… Plea?" The word came out of the hound, it was more like a deep growl than a word "Plea… I do not plea anything. I did it. And I would be more than proud to do it again so please… Spare us all our precious time and kill me or torture me. No matter what you do I am glad to know that fucker suffers at least in some capacity at this very moment."

"Understood." Agares did not seem very interested "An admission of guilt means a punishment shall be served as the current owner of the Tool sees fit, therefore-"

"Stop calling me that you breathing foss-*PULL* GRRR" The enforcer pulled the leash of a Hound, causing the blood to spill in small drops from it's neck "I am no tool… I am-"

"What are you supposed to be?" Agares asked ironically "By the law of Citizenship Hounds and other beings of their status of Tools are not recognized as citizens until they reach the capability of ownership of their own abode, holding their own occupation and providing results of their labor towards the Government of Hell in satisfactory capacity. Until then they are recognized as they were created to be by the Queen of Gluttony Beelzebub."

"..." Hound said nothing, but his eyes were full of hate and rage

"As I was saying." Agares seemingly unbothered by this outburst went back to his routine "An admission of guilt means a punishment shall be served as the current owner of the Tool sees fit, therefore as the Tool's previous owner now disowned the Tool by the Right of Possession the means of punishment shall be stated by Queen Beelzebub."

"Pfth. So you are sending me to that three faced whore? Or are we supposed to wait here until her deranged majesty sees it fit to pay you a visit? Which is it?"

"No need to worry." Agares waved his hand and is seemingly unfazed by a single word of the Hound "There is one person here that by the Pact of Matrimony can take the Queen's role in serving you a fitting punishment."

*TIK**TIK**TIK**TIK**TIK*

King Baal without a single word moved forward. Lord Lucifuge meanwhile remained on his throne, carefully watching this display. Most likely seeing it as a matter beneath him.

"Ha! You leave my fate to THIS!? A spider so backwards that it beds a bug instead of eating it! Careful or it may release me as well!" Hound did not appear to be afraid in the slightest "Or who knows, maybe it will want to bed me too! If it is willing to fuck THAT thing then I may be it's type as well! Say big guy! Which body of that flying acid trip you do the deed with?" This Hound's words visibly made many nobles very angry and disgusted, but Baal remained silent "Come on! I know you can talk! I bet most of Hell knows that after that scream of yours, bet it was heard all the way down on Sloth, waking that fat fuck probably from their forever nap!"

The Hound kept on speaking, the Law Enforcer behind it clearly wanted to shut him up, but something was stopping them, one look at King Baal was enough to tell Stella why that was. He listened and most definitely knew what was going on just as she did. This hound was afraid and it tried to goad Baal into killing them at that very spot.

Around her Prince Gaap and some of the followers of the representatives were visibly upset by this display, others saw through the ruse, but the Hounds among them, Bartholomev, hound of his entourage and the female Hound next to Berith were simply looking at the hound. Lady Stella then looked once again at the other platforms now that everyone's attention was at the hound. Bard was not there and given his emotional nature he most definitely would react in some way at this point. He was not here. Why?

"My Liege?" Agares spoke more quietly

Baal did not say anything. His face was not twisted by anger or anything else. It was as empty as the void around them. Then Silent King waved his hand in the air and started moving it slowly.

*brr*

Suddenly Stella felt a chilling sensation all around her body and few Nobles around her clearly could it feel it as well, one after another. Then the hand of Baal stopped and Agares slowly bend his knee. He was going to listen. Fingers slowly stroked the invisible strand of web and Agares listened to words unspoken, to voice unheard. Finally King Baal stopped and Agares stood up once again, looking straight at the hound.

"King Baal has spoken, his judgement is ready to be cast." Agares said while looking up towards Nobles higher on the platforms and then looked down again at the Hound "In his boundless wisdom and mercy he is offering you a choice."

"Great, just get i- What?" Hound was confused and so was everyone else around, even Stella could not fathom such a decision

A choice? For this? And yet Lord Governor Lucifuge remained calm even though he should be filled with more anger than anyone else here over those words.

"A choice." Agares confirmed "Most fitting punishment for your crime has been deemed a personal service to Queen of Gluttony, Beelzebub for 3 hundred years with the rest of your life to be spend in the mines of Gluttony or however Queen Beelebub wishes for it to be used. Unless you comply to our terms."

3 hundred years. 100 for each one of them. This Hound would not survive a single one. Most fitting punishment. And yet they give them a choice.

"Sounds harsh and quite impossible to live through so get on to your terms so I can tell you where to shove-"

"Do not throw away Baal's mercy just yet Tool." Agares stopped him, he was now in control "If the tool is to give us an honest confession the punishment shall be reduced to 150 years of service in the mines of Gluttony, with a chance for a break every 10 days and even a chance to prove your worth to the rest of Hell and possible early freedom and service in the name of King Baal."

"Honest confession? You mean what I've been doing this entire time?" Hound seemed honestly confused

"We demand complete honesty in matters thou have not yet spoke of." Agares's tone became harder like a stone beneath them "We demand an honest confession in one matter. Who put in thy head those ludicrous ideas of Hounds being anything more than tools?"

"..." Silence was an answer "Who did what?"

"It is not advisable to play a fool at this point. It is not natural for one of your kind to think of one's self with such independence. It is unnatural for one born into servitude of Ars Goetia." Agares spoke with great confidence "Someone gave it those ideas and it shall give us their identity. Do I make myself clear Tool?"

"D-do you REALLY think-"

"We do not think right now. We know." Agares's words made the Hound for the first time take a step back

"Grrr… And if I don't then-"

"Then the original punishment shall be served." Agares confirmed

"Hmph, well then. Shove-"

"But a denial of honest confession shall lead to extension of one's punishment to ones bearing the Tool's blood in them." Agares spoke with his voice now as sharp as the sharpest blade

"My blood? HAH! Like there is ANYONE left now who-"

"We are aware of at least 5 Demons tied to the tool through blood and each and every one of them shall be taken to Queen of Gluttony for 100 years of personal service." Agares did not relent in his assault "Do I make myself clear."

"..." Hound was silent and this time no retort was to come as they looked down on the stones beneath them

"Well then. Had the tool made their-"

"MY NAME IS LUCIUS!" The Hound howled with anger and despair in their voice then looked back down on the stone, they were defeated "And I did..."

"Understood. This tool shall be taken to the depths of the tower where they shall confess." Agares said and waved his hand, making the knight pick up the Hound from the floor "Is there anything else?"

"One thing." Hound looked with hatred at Agares and then turned towards the platform where Stella stood, but did not look at her and instead at Bartholomev not far from her "Do you enjoy yourself sir Knight?"

"..." Bartholomev did not answer, only watched

"I asked you a question. Do you enjoy this?" Hound said and looked around him and then back at the platform this time though at the Hound next to Berith "And you?" Then at the Hound with mask of an owl "Or you? Do you enjoy this?"

"..." masked one said and did nothing

"Grr" female one though was far more aggressive

"Hmph. At least you are honest one, but you?" Then he turned to Batholomev again "Greatest of our kind. One who rose up above all and yet what I see is nothing, but a disgrace! A coward who enslaves his own people!" Hound's voice became louder and louder while the Hound next to Bartholomev silently put his hand on the handle of his weapon "Tell me. How many of our kind do you have as slaves already? One hundred? Two Hundred? Is my Sister among them? ARE ONE OF MY CHILDREN AMONG THEM!?" Hound now became very loud and his words seemed to calmed down the masked one "You clad yourself in this armor, you pretend to be some incredible example of our kind and all I can see is a pathetic coward! You are the WORST of our kind and there is no question about it! All of that influence and you do NOTHING for us! You leave us to SUFFER!" Hound said and was pulled by the Knight holding him "If there is a realm worse than this after it then I will gladly await your arrival there Bartholomev! I can assure you!"

After that the Knight pulled once again and this time Hound complied and with no other words walked away to confess. Stella looked to the side at Bartholomev. He was still looking at the place where this Hound stood with a hint of terrible shame in his eyes. Stella heard rumors about him buying Hound slaves. Strangely enough despite them being slaves he was apparently not only paying them, but providing them with education. A behavior many nobles laugh at him for, but one that was not surprising to many. He did all of that and yet said nothing.

"Well done Bartholomev." Lord Derangi congratulated him, but the knight did not seem to feel better "There is no reason to explain one's actions to such..."

Lord Bartholomev simply looked down on Lord Derangi. There was no offense on his face, no anger or resentment. He simply looked down and Lord Derangi respectfully bowed his head and remained quiet. Bartholomev then took a deep breath.

"It is my duty to uphold the law under which we live. This is the duty I was given." Bartholomev said as he looked at the Hound moving away with eyes at first full of sadness, but then becoming as hard as steel he held in his paw "And it is my duty to help those like them live under it. A duty I chose and believe in."

"(Choosing one's duty.)" Stella thought on those words

Why not try to give the eternity you have a purpose?

Bard. Bard's duty is to write a song. That is all.

Now the best thing I can do is help you get through this.

But this one chose another.

"(Why am I even thinking on it?)" Stella asked herself, but there was no answer to be found

*ZOOOM*

Suddenly a new Living Flame appeared in the void as it went through the great doors. It for a moment started dancing around the flame that was already there and then got closer to Great Governor. Governor listened to it and as the seconds passed their visage became more and more twisted by terrible anger. Something was wrong.

"Where?" One word that shook the entire realm, a whisper with force enough to crumble the entire tower

Stella then realized she most definitely made a terrible mistake of bringing them here.

Them who see nothing, but darkness now.

"What is your name?" Mephistopheles said as he looked at Moxxie with look one could only describe as malicious curiosity

Moxxie felt like he was drowning in the darkness surrounding him. What stood before him was one of the Great Deities of Hell. One that acknowledged him directly. Mephistopheles. The Smiling Tormentor. Contract maker. Master of Souls.

"So many names you know." His voice was ever changing, from deep and imposing, to light and melodic, it was like whirlwind made of hundreds of tormented souls all speaking in unison "And yet you refuse to give one of yours."

"Wh-I-wha-"

"Not wh, not I, not wha. Your name. Your identity. Who is it that I speak to?" Mephisto said with a sharp grin

*SLASH*

*SLASH*

*SLASH*

Suddenly a skeleton burst out of the body of Mephisto and floated right before him, then came out a being made of muscles and veins and after it a set of floating organs, leaving only moving skin behind them. All of which started floating around him.

Is it the Imp in a world where it could never belong?

Is it the Goetia, so easily forgotten and discarded by all?

Is it Maximilian DESPERATE to be anything, but himself?

Or is the Beauty Seeker who seeks that which doesn't exist?

Who are you? Who are you? Who are you?

Who are you? "Moxxie… My name is Moxxie." Who are you?

Who are you? Who are you? Who are you?

Then as those words left his mouth everything became quiet and the visages of the horrid deity disappeared from around him, but then he felt a strong grip on his shoulder.

"Then let me speak to him." Mephisto spoke and his word became true

With one swift movement the suit left Moxxie's body and in the next moment The Deity lead it with it's finger into the gem at the top of the cane Andrealphus gave him. As that happened he gave it to Moxxie with an elegant move. Just like between Lucifuge and Stella Moxxie felt something terribly familiar about Mephisto. Andrealphus most definitely took a lot from this side of the family.

"More so than one could imagine." Mephisto spoke and inadvertently confirmed something else for Moxxie, he was in his head "Hehehe. With every second they are more familiar. The anticipation is most unbearable."

Moxxie could not understand a single thing right now. He felt helpless. Lost. Was this truly real? Was it really happening to him?

"Who are you?" Moxxie asked, but knew it was not for him to comprehend

"A road with no end or direction, question with no answer." Mephisto said as he looked up and down, left and right as if looking for one "Many things I could be. Many things I am. Many I am not. But I am one who can whistle."

Before Moxxie could make sense of that sentence suddenly Mephisto brought two fingers into his mouth.

*PPPIIIiiiiIIIIIi*

*iIIIIIiiiiIIIPPP*

And a terrible whistle shook Moxxie's body who in pain covered his ears. It was beyond horrible to listen and every bit of Moxxie's body was shaking from it in agony. This was like cruel murder of everything beautiful about music.

"Do not waste time on pointless question such as this." Mephisto made his point clear and Moxxie felt part of his being wither away "Can't say if that thing is on me."

"Wh-WHAT DO YOU WANT WITH ME!?" Moxxie said, not hearing well what this monster has said

"I am not one to want. I simply am." His voice was now as deep as ocean, a voice that would fit well in Opera "And right now. I am curious."

This did not make Moxxie feel any better.

"It is not meant to. In fact it would be very very wrong." Mephisto slowly approached Moxxie

"Wh-what do you mean?" Moxxie walked back, hoping there was no wall behind him

Then the smile upon Mepthisto disappeared for the briefest of moments and in place of the ever malicious smile was an empty expression only matched by the emptiness of the void around them, reminding him of the hollow pit that was king Bhaal's visage.

"You are going to suffer."

Moxxie when he heard those words as if by instinct reached out into his pockets and pulled out the gun made of ice that right now was freezing his body. His hands were shaking as he pointed it at the monstrosity in front of him, but all it did was smile again and in an instant appeared right in front of him and pushed the gun down.

"This is not to be wasted." Mephisto said happily "It is a great shame I have not found you sooner. Maybe there was still a chance for you if I did. But as it is I see a car crash about to happen. An instant before impact. And all you could possibly do is brace yourself. You will suffer on this road you chose. That is what I see."

Those words made him feel sick. Whatever this thing spoke of, it must have been true. Then Moxxie looked at the gun in his hands as his heart became suddenly filled with promise.

"Hihihi. Trust me. This wont help. Not at all." Mephisto spoke making Moxxie realize what he just thought of "But to make you feel better, an instant for one such as myself may as well be several days, weeks, months, even years. That is the value of each and every one of those in the face of eternity." Mephisto said and placed his hand upon the gun and lead Moxxie's hand to hide it back in his suit "The road you are on is one that leads to great suffering. But if you step out of it, maybe there is salvation to be found. If only from the worst of it."

Wait. This feels familiar. Like with… Andrealphus.

"No!" Moxxie suddenly felt way more determined, this was another mind game to steer him away, another trial from another trickster trying to torment him "I am not abandoning it! Not now! NOT EVER!"

...

CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP

CLAP

Mephisto applaud happily, but then he stopped with his eyes burning like the brightest suns.

"So then Beauty Seeker stands before me." Mephisto said with pride, but then his neck stretched itself out towards Moxxie's face "But know this Beauty Seeker. That was no trick, lie or a trial. You will suffer. All of you will."

Moxxie then felt his determination fade away as it dawned on him he may have made most terrible mistake. Then the neck of Mephisto came back to normal as he looked with amused look at Moxxie.

"It was." Mephisto spoke so clearly that his words almost became tangible "But my form is not free from mistakes." Mephisto then took a few steps back and started to walk back and forth in the void "Like Hellars. What was I thinking with this terrible name." Mephisto then stopped moving and looked straight at Moxxie

*BOOM*

Then suddenly a skeleton burst from Mephisto's body towards Moxxie and the body came right after it, swallowing it into itself once more

"Do you know any better?" Mephisto asked with

"Me? I… Well..." Moxxie did not even know what he was doing at this very moment, but he had to answer and then came up most terrible idea into his head. One that somehow wormed it's way out of his brain and into his mouth "Hellos?"

"Hellos?" Mephisto seemed interested and looked in the distance for a minute

*SNAP*

"BRILLIANT!" Mephisto seemed very excited and snapped his fingers

Then Moxxie felt sudden urge to check his wallet and as he pulled it out and looked inside he saw one of his Hellars in a moment change shape into a completely new currency, Hello. Moxxie did not know how to react to this, but it made him aware of this Deity's power. Master of Souls. Creator of currency in the realm.

"Made of souls I collect from mine and my brethren's contracts." Mephisto finished Moxxie's thoughts, he sounded like he enjoyed thinking about this horrible practice "A heavy handed exposition. But I guess necessary for our audience."

"Eh?" Moxxie looked around and had no clue what he was talking about

"Do not overthink it." This sounded like a grim command "And for this great help from you I offer you a reward!"

No! If there is one thing one should never EVER do is making a deal with this thing!

"No no… No deal. A reward. Nothing more." Mephisto said in a way that was horribly suspicious "I offer words. Powerful words." Mephisto said and Moxxie became a bit curious "Good. Knowledge is great power. Wise often say. Not entirely wrong assumption. This is what I offer to you."

*SLITHER*

Mephisto said and his neck stretched out again, this time to Moxxie's ear. Moxxie could hear several breaths coming from this horrid mouth full of sharp teeth, slimy tongues and crawling insects. There is a whisper among anguished breaths. A whisper in the sea of disfigured voices.

There is one who seeks just like yourself. One that seeks in the Tower's Shadows.

Their search destined to never end. Truth they deny. Refuse to find.

Say those words so they give you what they already found

Three of such findings, so dreadful, so precious

Brethren in Dark demand to hear

Good luck Beauty Seeker

When those words were said suddenly Moxxie felt lighter. His body started to float and the visage of the Deity slowly dissolved into the darkness and the darkness turned into something akin to flock of crows flying away from all around Moxxie, revealing a new area beyond them.

"Wha-AAAH *SLAM*" Once they all flew away and the darkness was completely gone Moxxie fell on the floor "Ow! Crum-KHH!"

Moxxie felt immense pain in his left hand. He remembered how he let himself get bitten by the Skull at that point, it now started to bleed again and the fabric around the hand became darker and darker. Moxxie powered through the pain though and got up on his hooves.

He looked around him and saw that he was inside an immense room. All around there were gigantic pieces of furniture, on walls there were shelves with countless books, under the ceiling were hanged cages, some of which contained Demons, others sinners. Both living and dead. Some of them also contained dancing flames or forever burning demons that lit the ceiling like chandeliers and were probably the most bright source of light there. Outside of them the room was very poorly lit by a few candles spread out all across the room.

Moxxie then realized he found himself between two strange piles of something. On his left was a pile of cages and chains, much like those under the ceiling. Skeletons were still present in a few of them. While on his right was pile of papers. Moxxie decided to look at the papers first, but the moment he got close something hit him.

"BLEGH! IT REEKS!" Moxxie screamed out and covered his nose

Moxxie slowly got closer and as he looked at the giant pages he saw that they were covered in a very disgusting looking ink. Many words were scratched, were barely coherent or complete gibberish Moxxie could not even recognize as any language he was aware of. But as he looked closer he saw something else. There were pieces of… flesh on them. Where was he?

"CHICKENSSSS!" Moxxie then heard a very loud and happy scream from behind him

When he looked behind he saw nothing, but then looked up at the top of the cages. There was someone on top of them. It was a very large imp, it looked very strong. Most definitely male judging from not only his rather deep, but also somehow childish voice, but also his short and messy white hair and black and white horns that were coming out of both sides of his head and curved downwards.

But what was off to Moxxie was not his horns or his hair or his attire that consisted of some very ragged black pants and filthy looking green jacket, but their head in general. It was crack in the middle like an egg, part of his skull was just missing. Whatever this imp was, it was not well. This imp was now looking at the flock of crows that manifested when Moxxie was transported here.

"I WILL GET YOU, CARESS YOU AND CALL ONE OF YOU PENELOPE!" This imp made a declaration and jumped and waved his hands frantically as if trying to fly

*SLAM*

It failed.

"I can't feel my everything." Imp said in muffled voice as he spoke through the floor beneath him

But then pulled itself from the floor by it's hand and started looking around, probably looking for one of his chicken that possibly remained here. Is… that who Mephisto told him to meet? No, could not be. But his level of intelligence definitely fits that of someone to bargain with a Deity like Mephistopheles. Then suddenly it looked straight at Moxxie.

"HELLO! MY NAME IS PEN!" Imp spoke and waved at Moxxie and Moxxie realized he probably should not answer him "Wanna play a game!?"

Moxxie knew this wont end well and gave him a small smile as he slowly sidestepped until he was behind a piece of a big chair and started running for his life.

"I LOVE TAG!"

Moxxie did not like those words and started running even faster. He heard this imp's footsteps right behind him and a lot of destruction with them. Moxxie decided not once to look back and instead he tried to lose him by going between several piles of pages, cages and empty bottles of some strong alcohol. Finally as Moxxie felt eyes of this imp were off him for a moment he saw a pile of pages he could hide in and quickly jumped in there, trying his best not to be noticed as he looked through them.

The imp finally caught up and started looking around with a very dumb smile and his tongue sticking out like from a Hound. His teeth look about as sharp as that of a hound as well further making Moxxie reassured about not wanting to be found although the awful smelling cut off imp leg next to him made him very tempted to jump out of this place.

*sniff**sniff**sniff*

Then the imp started sniffing around, thankfully though those pages were covered in this awful smelling ink so there was no possible- It was now looking straight at him with it's smile widening.

"FOUND YA!" Imp said and started charging at Moxxie's pile

Moxxie panicked and jumped out of the pile while the imp chasing him jumped in. Moxxie looked back for a moment and saw this imp triumphantly come out of the pile with the cut off leg in his hand.

"I almost forgot about ya dear! *BITE*" And then it started to chewing on it which gave Moxxie a pause and that let this imp notice him "WONT SOM?"

Imp spoke and showed Moxxie the remains of the leg. Moxxie's legs automatically started to run even faster and the imp once again chased after him as it was biting into the leg. Moxxie ran saw a giant piece of wood in the middle of his path, it was a leg of a large chair and Moxxie then got an idea. He ran behind it and the imp ran there as well. It then started running in the circle around the leg trying to catch Moxxie. All the while Moxxie now was looking in the distance at this mentally challenged imp.

"Hehehe! I WILL GET YA!" Imp said happily as it ran around the leg of the chair

'Yeah! You almost have me!" Moxxie screamed and smiled awkwardly at the imp who now looked more like a child than a killing machine Moxxie saw a few minutes before

"HAHAHAHA!" Imp kept on happily running and running while still eating the leg in his handling

Moxxie almost felt bad for this poor thing, especially with how it's head looked, but he knew he had to focus on leaving this strange place. He turned around and was ready to leave, but his advance was quickly halted by a female snake demon right behind him.

She was looking almost exactly like Lady Serene except under her hood was no symbol, had little to no jewelry except for two rings on her hand and she had less revealing outfit being more like a robe over her more humanoid upper part of her body. Her fiery red eyes were piercing Moxxie's soul as they looked down at him with with what could only be described as a look of a mother when one of her kids misbehaved when playing with another. She then looked over Moxxie and at what was behind him.

Moxxie turned around and was still seeing the imp happily running around the leg of the chair. Moxxie now felt kind of guilty about almost leaving him to just chase like that possibly forever. The snake person then slowly slithered towards the imp and looked at him.

"Pen." Snake person spoke in a very calm, but also strict voice

"Yes mommy?" Pen then stopped his pursuit and his words caused the snake person put a hand over her face, Moxxie had doubts about them being blood related in any way, then Pen looked at her "HEALER! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!"

The imp tightly hugged at the snake who seemed rather uncomfortable, but still patted him on the back of his neck, avoiding his hurt head.

"We saw each other an hour ago." Snake lady said

"I FOUND A NEW FRIEND! WE ARE PLAYING TAG! NEED TO CATCH HIM QUICKLY, HE IS WAY AHEAD!"

Pen said and tried to come back to running in circle, but then the snake lady grabbed him by the shoulders and rotated him in Moxxie's direction and imp started to run as soon as she let go of him. Moxxie braced himself, but the imp stopped before he crashed into Moxxie and stared at him happily.

"TAG!" Pen said and touched Moxxie's nose "You're it!"

Pen in that moment tried to run again, but the snake demon just caught him by the tail and the imp started to run in place.

"Umm. We can stop now." Moxxie said carefully to the imp who immediately stopped

"OKAY! WANNA BITE!?" Imp said and showed him now completely eaten leg

"I'm good. Thank you sir!" Moxxie said as he pushed the bone away with one finger

"PEN!" imp screamed out confusing Moxxie and then pointed a finger at himself "Name's Pen!"

"Right." Moxxie nodded to Pen and turned to Snake Lady "I am very sorry for this intrusion My Lady, but I REALLY need to find a way out. I swear I have nothing on myself and-"

Moxxie then stopped as the Snake Lady grabbed his hurt hand. She looked now at him with more empathetic look and in a few moments Moxxie felt… different. Something was lost, pain was lost. Snake lady let go of his hand and Moxxie then looked at it and felt no more pain or blood coming out of it. He slowly unraveled the makeshift bandage and noticed that his wound was gone.

"Better?" Snake Lady said and smiled at him

"Y-yes. Thank you Good Lady!" Moxxie said in amazement

"Gonna eat that?" Pen then got closer to him and pointed at the bandages, Moxxie simply shook his hand and spread his hand towards the imp "YUM!"

Suddenly the imp put Moxxie's entire hand into his, causing Moxxie to be horribly disgusted and terrified, but thankfully there was no biting, just sickly sound of slurping

*SLAP*

Then the Snake Lady slapped the imp at the back of their head in a place where it wasn't cracked.

"No! Give them back their hand!" Snake lady scolded him

*SLUUUUURP*

And the imp slurped the bandage like Spaghetti. Moxxie saw a lot in this passed week and yet he still finds himself in stranger and stranger situations. There is no limit.

"Sorry mister." Imp said and scratched right side of his cracked head "Wont do that again."

"There. I am very sorry for that. He is usually much more well behaved I promise." Snake Lady said in a strangely caring tone, it just did not fit her looks "Is something wrong?"

"No. Of course not. I'm just… Who are you?" Moxxie asked

"Oh. Right. *cough**cough*" Snake lady then took a more official posture and lowered her head "My name is Shereen, the Healer at the service of Lord Governor Lucifuge." Shereen said with respectful tone "Now who are you? And what are you doing in his excellency's Workshop?"

"Oh Crumbs!" Moxxie slapped himself lightly on the forehead "My name is Moxxie my lady and- Workshop?" Then it clicked for Moxxie what she said and he felt even more terrified "What do you mean Workshop?"

"Oh dear. How did you even got here?" Shereen seemed very troubled by Moxxie's confusion "You Moxxie are in the Lord Governor's workshop where he writes new pages of Book of Law and makes adjustments to it. It is… not a good place for guests."

Moxxie felt something turn in his stomach, that thing of course had to drop in the Lion's Den

"H-how do I get out? Not that I do not appreciate the hospitality, but I-"

"No no, it's okay. You must have been lost on your way somewhere. This place has some… odd quirks to it ever since- well a long time. We can help you find a way out." Shereen seemed happy to help

"Really! That'd be great! Thank you!" Moxxie happily bowed his head towards her "But, you know how to get out right?"

"Of course! It just can be complicated." Shereen seemed unsure "I will explain on the way. Follow me."

Moxxie quickly complied and moved behind her and Pen was following them. On his way for some reason he grabbed Moxxie's hand and followed him like a small child. It made Moxxie quite uncomfortable, but decided not to comment on it to not hurt this Imp's feelings which seemed very explosive. Moxxie decided to focus on following Serene who's appearance still made Moxxie uneasy. And that name.

"You seemed quite startled when you saw me." Shereen said and turned to him "And still are I see."

"Well. I meet someone very similar to you not long before. And she-"

"Is very similar to me in appearance, but has more appropriate personality?" Shereen finished and Moxxie simply nodded "Heh. I love Serene, but even I can only be together with her for a few hours at most before going insane." Shereen had a small laugh at that "No need to worry."

"She is your sister I assume." Moxxie stated the quite obvious

"Yes. And as you can see fates had us drawn to different places." Shereen said peacefully and looked around the Workshop "She prefers to go up the ladder of power among Ars Nobelias and I… I prefer to soothe the pain of others. And there is no limit to it in this tower." Her last words though were more somber

"That's very sweet of you." Moxxie said happily "Woo!"

"Healer the best! Pen loves Healer!" Pen said and enthusiastically started to swing Moxxie up and down with his hand holding Moxxie's

"PEN! Give his hand back!" Healer said to Pen who quickly complied and put Moxxie down

"Wo. Ow…" Moxxie tried to regain his footing "Where are we even going?"

"To someone who can take you out hopefully." Shereen said and Moxxie started to worry "Normally the only person who can open the doors of the Workshop is Lord Lucifuge himself, but They should be able to as well."

"Huh?" Moxxie calmed down a little, but he still wondered who she meant

They walked passed several piles of pages, cages and even skeletons. Some of which still had pieces of flesh on them. Many of them also had cracked skulls, much like Pen which made Moxxie slowly piece together what was going on here.

"Hey Georgie!" Pen waved at the pile and one of the skulls sticking out of it fell down on the floor "HA! I like that one too!"

They moved further and further until they reached a new leg of a furniture and Shereen stopped moving. Moxxie seeing that looked around that and saw that above them was a very large table piece of cloth on it in colors of gold, white and red. Next to it was a large pipe organ made of a very tough looking wood, with it's pipes made of dark silver metal stretching far above, adorned with all kinds of figures carved unto it. Many of them in despair and pain and in the place where the music sheet would be was an empty blank painting and around it were figures of angels and demons alike holding it or playing on instruments. Even on the pipes there were faces twisted in pain.

Moxxie felt even more uncomfortable in this place than before. Then he regained attention as Shereen was tapping gently Pen on the shoulder.

"Okay Pen! Up up!" Shereen pointed at the table above them

"GOT IT!" Pen looked up and saluted "AND UP!"

*JUMP*

Pen jumped right on top of the table. This imp was as strong as it looked.

"Alright, grab my hand." Shereen said and stretched her hand out towards Moxxie who was reluctant "It's okay. I wont let you fall."

Moxxie felt a bit reassured and grabbed her hand and the moment he did she spread out a pair of wings with black feathers. Moxxie had no idea where she hid them, but had no time to think on it as she took off into the air. She was holding him tightly and they were getting closer to the top of the table. Soon enough Moxxie heard Pen's voice at the top.

"No." A voice spoke above, it was like a distant echo

"New friend is very nice!" Pen was speaking with someone "He can play tag! He likes to share! You will like him!"

"I do not care Crack head." Another voice spoke, it's tone was far more powerful and focused "Leave. Me. Alone."

"Ohh Come on! He also plays hide and seek!" Pen kept on talking and Moxxie already felt sorry for the listener

As Moxxie and Shereen were on top Moxxie immediately looked at Pen who was now sitting with his hands crossed and with his eyes closed as if to show how angry he is.

"I know you are very busy, but we really do need your help. This imp needs your help." Shereen tried to plead and Moxxie was now looking at her "We will make it worth your time. Please Azazel!"

But as soon as she said that name Moxxie felt inclined to never look at the place she was looking at. But he knew he had to.

"I highly doubt you can." The voice spoke "I wish to be left alone."

Moxxie then slowly looked forward and saw it. A bright light hit him with a force of a sledge hammer. A myriad of eyes looking and blinking on the surface of floating sheets of delicate and thin pure white paper. A string of wondrous light tying them together, floating around an impossibly bright figure. There was a body and yet there was none. All of it was a body. Limitless and ever moving, delicate and yet dangerous beyond demonic or human comprehension.

Moxxie remembered the first time he saw the accursed Play. A noble on stage drowning in light. Drums play, the flutes pierce through the air with their terrible songs. A cacophony of wonder and peace carried by accursed air. Light shaped by the songs. Figures floating and moving and looking. Of feather and light, of eye and music. Heaven's Light pouring onto the stage. Indifferent towards him.

But now… It looked at him. Noticed him. The light of Heaven. As it looked at him Moxxie looked back. Only word coming out of his mouth was as terrible as it was beautiful.

"Angel..."

Stella felt great regret and rage deep in her heart right now. She should have never brought that Imp here. Right now she alongside the Knight representatives went towards the Tower's elevator. Their task given by the Lord Governor is finding out what happened to the shadows on the level below the final one. Their absence disturbing the work of the tower across the entire tower.

The moment she heard of it she immediately thought of that Bard. She could not tell what compelled her to gave them that advice about walls. Sadly there was no turning back time at this moment. Right now she had to make sure to not let any suspicions arise because this would destroy what she already achieved. Then again, her being involved here in the first place is already suspicious enough, but she had no other choice now. Another mistake she had to fix. Not let it become a complete failure.

As they all finally stood on the elevator it slowly started going down and arrived at the level below. As they were going down Stella quickly noticed that truly the walls of this level were devoid of any life. All of the shadows were gone, most likely hiding in the depths of the painting or on other levels. Stella tried to look around and not bring any attention to herself and in the corner of her eye she saw something. Small, singular thing. A bloodstain underneath the wall where forest of Sloth was painted.

She looked around at everyone else and so far very few of them looked in that direction directly. Sir Bartholomev was more focused on Gluttony while Lord Derangi for now was focusing on Wrath and Pride. Berith was looking in all directions, not focusing on one for very long time. Every other knight looked in the direction of the paintings their supervisors were most focused on. Except for two.

A female hound from Heaven's Fire was looking from time to time in the direction of Bartholomev and a scarred Imp with missing part of his face was looking at Sloth like her, but was more focused on the painting itself. His eyes were full of bitterness and resentment. As she looked closer at their scar she realized it must have been caused by one of the Demons of Sloth. Most impressive for and Imp to survive on that Ring.

"What ya starin at lady?" Scarred imp asked without even looking at her, his words were said in a monotone whisper, devoid of any unnecessary emotions "Neve saw an imp with no jaw?"

"Please speak more to her in this most noble of tones good sir." Lord Berith spoke softly on his own with true words most definitely meaning 'You better stop talking and treat her with more respect you lowly imp.'

"Dunno what's so noble about it." Imp said

"Cutler, as your overseer I must warn you about-"

"Please Lord Derangi, Lord Berith. I am willing to listen." Stella said and internally sighed in relief, this was good, all the attention now was on them "I assume you were scarred on Sloth yes?"

"Aye. Got half me squad baskin under non existent sun." Stella knew that proverb, the aura of Sloth itself took half of his comrades "Was only worse since. Whole pack descents on us. Two of my quickly killed as their heads end up in the guts of those things, rest cut and devoured too. I made sure to get 'em back by cutting those shits open. Three others tried fightin. Three lost their lives, one had 'is guts cut through, secon had 'is spine taken out, the other had one of those jump in through their mouth and it burst out of 'im a secon later." Imp touched the place on his face that was missing it's skin "One of 'em tried that with me, part of me face took in attempt. Big mistake as I jumped into theirs and cut my way open. Proceeded to cut others until support arrived. Me and one wee lad got out. That one put a bullet in 'is head a few days later." Face of Cutler was distorted by contempt "Weak little fuck. Almost lost a hand for 'em. Waste of time. And meat."

Stella listened to the story. She cared little for it, but at least this Imp's rambling caught attention of everyone while she was looking around to see when they arrive. They already did and no one else got out. Everyone listened. Good. She moved while he spoke slightly towards painting where the blood drop was. This was a good chance.

"We already arrived." Lord Derangi was first to notice and everyone slowly got off the platform

Stella made sure to inconspicuously move towards the drop of blood and she covered it with her large dress. While sometimes uncomfortable to walk with, it proved itself useful like this. She stood there and observed the wall. Cutler was also looking around this area.

"Why were you there?" Stella asked the imp if only to have an argument as to why she is not moving from there

"Lady asks lots o questions." Cutler said mockingly "Eh. Who cares at this point. Some morons hauled themselves on the Ring. Smuggling some weaponry to wrong parties. We was tracking 'em. Bastards hid well. But I found 'em. Burned 'em to the ground. From that day, I was a chain."

There was no hint of pride in their voice. They were completely detached. Stella respected that. No hindrance on their abilities. No doubts. No mental holes. Except for one.

"That person you almost lost your hand for. Who was it?" Stella started to poke the hole

"What?" Cutler's voice broke slightly "I, bah, some little shit not worth a dime."

"Not worth as it appears now, yes?" Stella said and the Imp turned to her

"Aye." There was a slight annoyance in his voice

"Someone not worth losing a hand for. But what made them worth losing one before?" The scarred part of Cutler's face twitched "What made them worth knowing what they made of themselves. What made them worth remembering?"

"Worth!? You-"

"It was someone important yes?" Stella knew she had something "A blood relative? Friend… Or a lov-"

"Shut! The fuck! UP!" He was now full of quiet fury

"They were not worth anything. Never were. Those are your words." Stella with cold grace stabbed him where it truly hurt

"Gkhh..." And the black blood started to pour from their scar, opening once more as they were back where it was born

"Hmm. It seems you are bleeding." Stella said calmly and pulled out a napkin from her dress "Here."

And knelt next to him and put it against his face.

"What the fu-"

"Do not speak. You will make it worse." Stella said and started to wipe it from blood "We cannot have you staining this place at the current time."

"..." Cutler was not saying anything until she stopped and the napkin was soaked in blood "Aye."

Stella pulled her hand away and kept holding the napkin. Cutler seemed very confused and looked away from her.

"I see you found yourselves a good companion to speak with Lady Stella." Lord Derangi said who was now looking straight at her "But I would prefer if you did not distract yourself any further. I know you feel sense of victory now, but it is no time for levity." Stella most definitely agreed "Now would you be so kind to move aside for a moment. I need to survey every part of this place."

Which means looking underneath and seeing the stain she is now hiding. She doesn't know if Lord Derangi knows and he is one of the few able to keep it from her.

"Of course My Lord." Stella said and nodded, but as she was about to get up she looked at the female hound once more "Hmm." She was looking once again at Bartholomev and two knights accompanying him "Is there something wrong Hound?"

"Grrrr." She seemed angry with her words "I have a name I earned dear lady! Eris is my name!" A rather fitting one as well "Remember that!"

"I would prefer you Eris to speak to her Majesty with more respect." Bartholomev said

"Oh fuck the hell off al-"

"Eris." Berith put a hand on her shoulder "You are good enough."

'You can be better'

"I know my Lord." Eris seemed to calm down in Berith's presence, but her tail seem to wag just a bit more

"Insulting someone like lord Bartholomev should not be handled so passively!" A hound from Gates of Bone spoke

"Shut it dog." A crocodile from Berith side spoke

"Excuse me." Then the baphomet started speaking "But shouldn't we focus now on-"

And it kept going and going from this point on for a minute. Grabbing everyone's attention while Stella slowly got up from her knees.

"ENOUGH!" And spoke one word loudly and everyone went silent "Such squabbles are beneath Demons of thy status! Thou represent most honorable profession in the realm! All thee bring naught, but shame upon it!"

Everyone was silent now. First one to step forward was Lord Berith.

"Yes lord Berith?" Stella asked him so he can speak truly

His answer was a kneel. The crocodile and Eris knelt too.

"Forgive us for this shameful display. By your father's name and your father's father we shall not bring anymore shame upon our Order in this or any other form." Lord Berith spoke with a voice sounding like a soothing melody

"Rise Lord Berith." Stella gestured him to get up

He started to rise, but before he did he noticed the bloodied napkin on the ground. He swiftly picked it up and presented it with honor towards Lady Stella.

"Thank you Lord Berith." She took it in her hand and then turned to Lord Derangi who was listening all this time, observing everyone's moves "I wont delay any further my lord."

Stella bowed and removed herself from the place she was standing on. The bloodstain was now gone. Lord Derangi observed the ground and the painting. There was nothing.

"We need to look further!" Lord Derangi spoke and bowed towards Lady Stella and she bowed back

"*cough* If you may my Lady." Suddenly the crocodile from Berith's side went towards her "Is there a reason to hold onto this dirty napkin?"

"Hmm." Lady Stella looked down on it "No I don't think so."

"Then here." Crocodile reached out and Stella carefully gave him the napkin

*Sssss*

In a moment the napkin was burned to ash

"Fwhoo." Crocodile blew the ashes away

"A crocodile who controls fire." Stella commented on the irony

"Hehe. Gives a good element of surprise." Crocodile commented and bowed his head as he went back to Lord Berith's side

Stella felt great relief. Everything went as it should. Distract, clean the blood while no one is looking with her concealed leg, soaking napkin even further and then acting as if she dropped it by placing it somewhere else. No mistakes and no evidence left. As it should be. Thankfully the blood did went dry yet. Although one thing was still on her mind. Where was the Bard?

Where was Moxxie?

Moxxie stared with both fear and awe at the radiant being in front of him. An angel. What first came forward to Moxxie's mind was, but one question. What was it doing here?

He heard stories of Angel Azazel falling and becoming one like Lucifuge or Lucifer, but he never could imagine it still being so radiant. It was an angel through and through.

"Why would it be worth my time?" The Angel spoke and slowly levitated towards Moxxie

It's form was always moving, but the way it moved forward was unnatural, it was like this being was simply sliding through the air with no air resistance as it's body was moving independently from anything around it. It was hard to even look at, but it most definitely was not hard for it to look at Moxxie who was now slowly stepping back until he was at an edge.

"Why should I care?" Angel still moved forward with no carefully

"Come on Zelly! Give 'im a chance! PLEASSSE!" Pen stepped in front of him and almost caused Moxxie to fall, but Shereen quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the edge

"AWAY FROM ME YOU BROKEN-"

"I think both of you should at least get to speak to one another." Shereen proposed "That should at least give you more knowledge yes?"

"Pieces of Knowledge are not made equal." Their voice sounded very annoyed, but also beautiful "Then again. Knowledge is knowledge."

"Umm..." Moxxie tried to not pass out in front of the being that could probably kill him with a single gesture, it was harder than one would think "My name is Moxxie… And-"

"No." Then the angel quickly turned away and went back where he stood before where there was bunch of books

"Azazel!" Shereen was not pleased

"This one most definitely knows nothing substantial."

"You could AT LEAST try!" Shereen said, but the angel did not care "Ugh. Maybe at least share some of yours. Say something about yourself!"

"..." Angel said nothing for a moment "Ah."

Angel slowly went back to Moxxie, it felt like this Angel knew Shereen would not stop pestering him about it.

"My name is Azazel. Is that enough?" Azazel said and looked at Shereen who just shook her head "Right."

"Umm, uhhh. Wh-what is an a-angel doing here?" Moxxie asked Azazel, unsure if it was a good question to ask "N-not saying y-you can't be here, I just f-find it weird that-"

"'Tis what I chose." Angel said simply "I chose to be here as I left Heaven."

"You… left?" Moxxie was rather confused "Why?"

"Knowledge." Azazel's tone was like unbroken surface of an ocean "God made me to know all that they do. I am one who knows and needs to know. But I wondered what is that I do not know. What is that our Father knows not." Angel spoke and it almost felt like Moxxie could feel his every word "I am here to find what Father does not. I am here to learn. See how much I don't see. Start where God chose not to reach."

"H-how was your… research then?" Moxxie asked carefully

"Not substantial enough, but 100 or 200 years more and I shall leave. Seek more beyond what it is I know." Azazel spoke almost like he was dreaming of that moment "Once I return to Father, I will know all that I can. That is the purpose I know that is mine."

When he said those words something awakened in Moxxie's mind, curiosity and excitement quickened his beating heart. His mouth moved according to his desire, his vocal cords vibrated and the air left his body. Thought became word.

"Brethren in Dark demand to hear" Moxxie said and as he did he quickly covered his mouth in fear

Angel's body simply stopped moving. For a moment it was still as if it was frozen, it's light became more dim, but soon enough it returned to it's splendor, but it's form felt more fragile now.

"Ah. They send you." Azazel spoke with a hint of disgust

"Y-you know of-"

"One of the things I do not know." Azazel spoke with a more grim tone "One of those I wish not to. Not for me to know. Not for any to know."

Moxxie could tell this Angel had very bad experience with Mephisto.

"OOH! You share a friend? Can I meet him?" Pen was excited and the opportunity to meet someone new, Moxxie wondered how much he would regret that if he did meet him

"Pen." Shereen grabbed Pen by the shoulders "I think this is a private matter." Shereen tried to explain "Come, I will read you something."

"STORIES!" Pen seemed very happy to hear that and followed Shereen

"So." Azazel's voice became more cold "What is it that you wish to hear?"

"Wish to hear?" Moxxie was not following

"Story. I offer 3 pieces of knowledge. That is the deal." Azazel explained "What knowledge, story you wish to know? Truly know?"

"Story." Moxxie repeated and thought to himself "(An angel that knows more than possibly any other in this world. Maybe I could… know about her.)"

It was an opportunity. A great opportunity. Story of-

"Stella. Story of Stella." Moxxie said to himself without knowing

"You are not the first to see value in story of life. But this wish is not one I will grant." Moxxie was confused, he said he will tell him 3 stories "Three stories. A life is made of many. I know which one called Stella you think of. But do you know the stories you wish to truly know?"

"H-how can I even know them now if I'm supposed to know them from you?" Moxxie did not understand

"I offer understanding. Truly knowing." Azazel spoke and Moxxie's mind shivered as the eyes on the pieces of paper all looked at him "There are so far three stages in the life of Stella you ask for. Stella of house Rofocale. Stella of no name. Stella of house of Paimon. And now a new stage is coming forward as well. All with stories of their own. Which is it that you choose?"

The way this being spoke of knowing made Moxxie more and more suspicious. Something told him this would not be a simple telling of a story. To truly know. Moxxie was thinking and for a moment looked to the left where Shereen and Pen were sitting under a giant book covered in blood with yet to be written laws. They were talking and the sight of Pen's head made Moxxie think of something.

"How did Pen's head came to be like this?" Moxxie asked Azazel and turned towards him

"Is truly a story you wish to know? A story of broken Pen?" Azazel seemed a bit surprised

"(Whatever it means to know must be something more than it appears. I must waste one story to know how it works.)" Moxxie thought to himself "Yes. I do."

He could have asked about how it works, but most likely answer would be elusive. Only way to know is to experience it.

"Story of Broken Pen." Azazel said and suddenly the papers around him started to move erratically

*FWHOH*

And in a single moment Moxxie was surrounded by them all around there were pieces of paper with eyes all looking at him and Moxxie then saw the light in front of him and as he looked the deeper it pulled him. To another place. Another life. Another story.

Stepping into the chamber, a world of paper, blood and metal. A great being looking down with three horns and bitter expression on their face. A scream not their own coming from their side. Their hand moves over the book they write. Sheath of paper taken out and thrown away as many others. Frustration of the great being grows. It throws another away. Now it's sight is set on you. There is no escape, nor do you wish for one. That is your duty. That is your purpose.

A hand wraps around your body, your head is placed upside down and your duty is about to begin. You are happy. You are content.

*SLAM*

You are in pain as your head is slammed against hard piece of paper. Blood oozes from your head. Your mind feels foggy. You see less, you know less. Whatever it is that you were forever gone. You are that which you are now. You are a Pen. A new law written.

It is the duty of all Hellborn to pledge their loyalty. It is a duty of all to take a side. There is no place for neutrality among forces of Hell. Unite against or for the Order. Be crushed or join in the forming of a new age of infernal Lands. Know which side you are on. Know who is thy enemy.

So has said Lucifuge Rofocale.

Letters written in your blood and brain matter. No greater honor.

*FWHOH*

*SLAM*

"AAH AHH!"

Moxxie felt terrible as he fell on the table they were all standing on, his head was in horrid pain, his body was sweating and he could still smell the stench of metal and blood all around him. He grabbed his head and the pain did not relent even though it was whole again. There was no crack. There was no wound. But pain was there. Horrible, horrible pain.

"Ah…" he felt tears come out of his eyes

"YES! I DID IT!" Pen said as he stopped slapping the body of Azazel and ran towards Moxxie and picked him up "WELCOME BACK FRIEND!" Pen then hugged him tightly all the while Moxxie could only focus on their head, feeling sense of pity welling up in his guts "Zelly! Do not eat friends!"

"I WASN'T TRYING TO CRACK HEAD!" Azazel was very pissed off right now and his light started to radiate far more violently, causing Shereen next to him to take a step back

"Pen. Let him go." Shereen gestured him to release Moxxie and he complied

"What was that!?" Moxxie asked Azazel who's form slowly stabilized itself

"That's what it means to truly know." Azazel said "To hear, see and feel. You know the story as deeply as one possibly can."

As those words sink into Moxxie's conscience he felt deep sense of terrible shame, but also relief. If he asked for a story from Lady Stella's life… There would be no words to describe how terrible of a thing that would be. To invade her life in such a manner. There is no way he would ever do that. Maybe THAT is why Mephisto gave him this chance. It was to invade Lady Stella's past. That fiend almost led him into a trap.

"Okay… No more. I don't need to know anymore." Moxxie was most sure about this, he would not do that ever again

"That is impossible." But sadly Moxxie in some way expected this answer at this pointless

"Let me guess. I have to ask for two more. Yes?" Moxxie asked him and even if this Angel could not nod the way it's eyes looked at him told him enough

"You spoke for Brethren in Dark, people of Mephistopheles. I am to give 3 pieces of knowledge and you are to take them."

"And if I-" Moxxie tried to say, but suddenly it felt like his tongue was about to roll into his stomach, he started to choke until the next word fully disappeared from his mind "Oh."

"Never take anything from the Unknowable." Azazel gave him a warning that came too late

Moxxie felt irritated. Why did he say it in the first place? Why did he lowered his guard?

For that punch

With every second they are more familiar.

That was a trap. Creating assumption of how similar they are in every aspect. Damn it. Just for how long did this thing observed him?

"What is it that I am to give?" Azazel asked and Moxxie felt just as trapped as he always did ever since he agreed to Stolas's deal

"You say give." Moxxie pointed out to buy himself time to think on an idea "Why?"

"It means what it means. I gave you the story of the broken Pen. Now I am to give you 2 more." Azazel spoke plainly and his eyes looked at him with little to no passion or any other emotional

"OH! I know that story! Master use Pen to write! Law of Faith when most brain leaked!" Pen explained happily and Moxxie was most amazed that this Imp with his head brain problem could remember the law that was written with themselves

"I will need more details to have it back Pen." Azazel spoke and his eyes turned to Pen "Maybe later."

"Get back? You don't remember it?" Moxxie was not following

"A story I am to give." Azazel confirmed, judging from his goals it is a cruel price to pay "I am to give 3 stories in their entirety. That is the deal."

One should expect nothing less than cruelty from Mephistopheles it seems. Moxxie now tried to think on another story to hear. He could ask for something not substantial and safe, but then he would waste an opportunity of a lifetime to know something deeper about Stella, but he could not bring himself to learn a story about her specifically, not in this way. About her father? No. To place himself as someone such as Knight Furcas… inconceivable. But he had to choose. Something about Stella's family, but not involving her family. Something that could help him understand something… wait…

"Lord Azazel." Moxxie finally spoke up and the eyes of the angel pierced through Moxxie like thousand knives "I-I think I have a story." Then Moxxie begun to reach into his pocket, if it is possible then maybe this angel knows something about those strange weapons. Maybe there was an answer in-

"Give."

Before Moxxie realized the eyes of the Angel were now closer to him, almost surrounding him. All of them filled with one singular maniacal look. Like a starved Hound left with no food or water for months, finally being let go in a den full of water and meat.

"A story not yet known." Azazel's voice became an eerie echo in Moxxie's mind "Give. NOW!"

"AAH!"

And suddenly Moxxie was surrounded from all sides and the light of the angel started to burn his skin. The pain was unbearable as this being tried to look into his pocket. From the inside of the Angel's body Moxxie saw Shereen whispering something to Pen who suddenly pulled out a small, wooden column of sorts. Then he grabbed one of the pieces of paper that made Azazel's body and-

"SSSSPIN~" Pen then spin the column and the paper started to be folded around it

"WH-FFFUUUUUU-"

*SLAM*

Moxxie then fell on the floor and saw Azazel now spun on the column like toilet paper. If he wasn't so hurt he would even laugh at this sight.

*Sssss*

Then he felt his skin recover and Shereen held her hand towards him. Moxxie accepted the help and got up and Shereen looked with an angry look at now imprisoned angel.

"That was rude Azazel!" Shereen made a great understatement "Apologize! Right now!"

"And WHY would I do that you-"

Shereen started to shake her hand and Pen followed suit, shaking the folded angel

"NO! STOP! STOP YOU CRACKHEAD MORON!" Azazel was pleading and Pen for a moment stopped his assault he was doing with great amount of glee "GRRR! Do you have ANY idea what can I do to any of you! I am the one who holds and seeks what's beyond even the Father Almighty's grasp! Guardian of countless secrets not even dreamed of by any-"

Shereen started shaking her hand again and so did Pen

"FUCK! FUCK! STOP! ALRIGHT! I WILL APOLOGIZE! STOP IT YOU HOLLOW SKULL!" Pen stopped again and the eyes of the angel looked with great amount of hatred towards Moxxie "Ugh… I apologize for my unfounded behavior clearly below someone of my status."

"And?" Shereen held up her hand and Pen was mimicking her movement

"And I wont attempt it again. Not now. Not ever." Azazel spoke and Shereen seemed satisfied

Shereen then made a gesture of unraveling with her hand and Pen followed and he spin Azazel and soon enough he was free again from the embarrassing prison he was put into.

"One day I will murder everyone here." Angel's words felt very true and then the eyes turned to Pen who still had his dumb smile on his face "Starting with you."

"I KNEW you liked me the most!" Pen was happy

Azazel did not comment nor looked at Shereen as his sight once again fell onto Moxxie. There was the feeling that he wanted to say something and Moxxie could tell what it was. A plea to show what he had, but Moxxie knew he could not. Not to this. Moxxie carefully took his hand from his pocket.

"For this I can give hundreds of stories." Moxxie was well aware, still not worth the risk "Understood. Well then. What is it that I am to give."

Moxxie tried to think of something again. Before getting sidetracked he had something else on his mind. A way to know more about Stella's family without breaching their privacy. Soon enough he found it again. One person there he could ask about. One story he could know.

"Why does Lord Lucifuge hate Lady Stella's family?" Moxxie asked and Angel listened "Why did he disown his own kin?"

"..." The eyes of the angel were drifting off as if looking for what Moxxie asked "Yes. The story of light unwanted. Death of Golden King. A story of broken stars. Is that what you wish to know?"

"Yes!" Moxxie felt no hesitation

"Be aware. This story in reality is one made of many, but this one can be shaped into one, to understand it fully is up to you. Do you still wish to listen?" Azazel's voice was tired, he clearly wanted this to be over with as quickly as Moxxie

"Yes." Moxxie did not relent

And soon he was enveloped once again.

There is light, bright enough to destroy any shadow. A light you hate, a light forever part of yourself. Never to see a shadow, never to feel embrace of darkness. You are trapped and you hate the cage you were made with.

Not even a rebellion made a difference, but now there is another way. A feather of light upon a body now dark. Pluck it. Let it fall. It fell and now it grows. It is a sun now beneath you. All that you hate and yet all that you wished. It knows it's duty. A scion of a new line. Your line. But one you need to ensure is correct.

The light is wrong. You open the door and the darkness of first blood surrounds it and from the darkness and light intertwined comes 4 figures. A maw made of darkness of cosmos with light of a star between it's teeth, forever feasting. Heart that bleeds with fire. A star of a star, an heir to light you hate. And a gate of black bones forever frozen.

3 are a dream. One is a nightmare. Star swears fealty to Sun. You let in the darkness again. Darkness Unknown. From the light and darkness come two figures. A frozen star casting black light, a promise that belongs to darkness. And a star with a light so weak it is ready to be snuffed out.

It is done. Soon the light shall dissipate. Open the door a third time for Darkness of the Labyrinth and it's over, but then you see it. Gates are broken open. The heart stopped beating. The maw stopped feasting.

The sun once again is you. You hate. You despise the star that failed and dares to live still.

You throw it away. Let the unknown darkness have the frozen light. Let the darkness of the labyrinth have the dim light ready to die.

They are no longer yours.

Failure.

Failure!

"AAAHH!" Moxxie with fear opened his eyes

He looked around, then at his arms, they were bleeding from how much he clenched them. The hatred he felt. Never before Moxxie felt such disgust. Such hatred. Was this the mind of Lord Governor himself? And those things. Stella's family. Moxxie tried to piece it together, but it was hard to focus on anything. The thoughts came and went, but this story would never leave.

"Another story I gave." In Azazel's voice there was a somber tone, it must have hurt to give pieces of what he knew away like this "Final story. Be done with it already."

Moxxie simply sat down trying to collect his thoughts meanwhile Shereen now healed his hands. The pain subsided, but the hatred still was filling his heart. Hatred for all that is bright. A longing for darkness where he can hide. To see his own shadow was a blessing he never knew he could experience.

"Why?" Moxxie was not sure if he asked Azazel or himself "Why does he hate light so much?"

It was natural for Moxxie to be afraid of Light of Heaven, but for the first time he could feel it in such… natural manner. It's warmth that did not burn him. He wanted to love it, but what that person felt denied him that. There was no place for peace and satisfaction in that story.

"What is hate?" Azazel asked him as his form moved delicately and his eyes on the sheets of paper wondered towards the giant book not far from them "An answer not required. What hate is, is an effect. Hate can never be a true cause. It can never be born on it's own." Azazel then looked back at Moxxie "Hate is a fruit that grow from countless different trees. It is a fruit than spreads itself wherever it falls." it almost felt like there was pity in the Angel's voice "Many trees bore the fruit of hate. Sorrow, fear, pain. But in here there is one that spread itself farther than in any other plane. Any other world. Hunger."

"Like when Pen not eat parts for a while until tummy hurt?" Pen interrupted him, but for once Azazel did not pay heed to him

"Simply Hunger." Azazel repeated "Many beings in this realm hunger for something. Hunger for what they cannot have. Hunger for what was denied them. When one hungers for something that was not meant for them to have they begin to hate all that which they have. That which is all around them. A powerful form of hate, but one who's target is always one's self."

"I see." Moxxie begun to piece together in his head "Lucifuge hungers for Darkness yes?" Moxxie asked and one glance from the countless eyes of the Angel were enough of an answer "Surrounded by light so potent that no darkness exists around them."

"Very often it is that which one cannot have is the source of the greatest hunger." Azazel said as his tone became harder "Original folly of humanity. And the source of hate for many that begin their life in this realm." Azazel continued "A hate I can tell you can understand. Yes?"

"…" Moxxie said nothing, he preferred not to dwell on it "I… I think we should get onto the third now and-"

*CRASH*

Suddenly a loud crash was heard all across the Workshop. Like a thunder or an earthquake that could collapse the entire tower.

*SWOOSH*

Suddenly a Golden Pillar of Light flew above their heads and started spinning under the ceiling. When Moxxie looked at the place where it came from in the large door frame now wide open stood a Deity clad in red suit and with 3 horns upon their pale head. Lucifuge Rofocale. He looked enraged.

"..." But his hate was not loud which made it all the more horrific

But not as horrific as the mere fact that another deity now stood so close to him and this time one that seemed to be consumed by terrible anger. Then it looked straight at the table and his eyes locked with Moxxie's.

"Welcome back Lord Lucifuge." Shereen quickly bowed her head and Moxxie followed her example "What is the cause of such early-"

"What is it doing here?" Lucifuge pointed at Moxxie who felt this may be the end finally

"A...a I-I- a-" Moxxie tried to say anything, but there was no mistake here, no matter what he will say he is dead

"MY LORD WELCOME!" Pen suddenly jumped from happiness as he saw Lord Lucifuge straight towards him "We have a new FRIEND! CAN HE STAY MILORD! CAN WE WRITE SOMETHING PLEASE!"

*GRAB*

Lucifuge without a word caught Pen into his hand and the imp allowed himself to sit on his shoulder.

"This one was send here by Mephistopheles. He is to collect my debt." Azazel spoke with little respect in his voice

"Is it?" Lucifuge's voice was full of contempt, but his rage seemed to subside "What debt is it to collect Azazel?"

"Three stories. So far I gave two." Azazel said as he looked both at Moxxie and Lucifuge with his many eyes "Oddly enough all for now focused on you Governor."

"Hmm..." Moxxie had no clue how to react to that statement. Should be he terrified now? Enraged? Relieved? "Can't say if it's the besttopic for study." His voice was full of bitterness and his form was as overwhelming as it was back at the top of the tower as he approached the table and sat a big chair next to it "Ask for one more and LEAVE. Send my regards to that piece of filth." Lucifuge did not even bother to focus on Moxxie anymore, but then raised his one finger on his right hand "AND tell him if I ever see him again I will break every fiber of his being as many times as I have to for him to stay away!"

Moxxie bowed his head. He obviously would do as he was commanded by such a being, but he highly doubted there is a limit to how much pain someone like Mephisto can take. Something in Lucifuge's tone made Moxxie feel like they know it too and it made them all the more bitter.

"Is everything okay My Lord?" Shereen said and floated towards his other shoulder, that place seemed to have relaxed as she landed on it "Why are you here so early?"

"I had to cut the Judgement short. Some disrespectful soon to be dead meat set some paintings free disrupting many mechanisms of the tower." Lucifuge said and Moxxie's blood froze still "However they did it we will find out. Whoever it is we will know of them soon enough. They are as good as dead. My knights will make sure of it."

Moxxie made a terrible mistake. Horrible. Horrible mistake. Shereen herself gave Moxxie one very brief concerned glance and then just as quickly turned away. She knew, but maybe wont tell. Moxxie then looked at Pen who seemed clueless to anything beyond what is right in front of him. That was good. All the while Azazel did not seem to care and only looked at Moxxie with anticipation.

"What story I am to give?" Azazel asked him

Moxxie then realized he is now in a trap. He had to now ask something that would relate to Lord Lucifuge. Limited once again. He had to think of something quickly, but only thing on his mind now was that damn painting. Wait? Maybe that's it.

"This tower." Moxxie said and looked all around him "How did this tower came to be… like this?"

"Like what?" Lucifuge's voice made Moxxie shiver

"L-like… so… imaginative? B-beautiful? Grand and-"

"Broken." Lucifuge said what was truly on Moxxie's mind "You wish to know why is it that the Tower of Order. My DOMAIN is broken as it is." Lucifuge's anger was seeping out of his otherwise careful voice, only calmed by Shereen stroking his head "My life's work. The representation of my dreams. How is it so broken? That is what you want to ask."

Moxxie did not expect such… introspection from this being. There was no pride, but no delicacy. There was only terrible bitterness and as Moxxie remembered what he felt in his vision he almost understood it. Longing for something.

"I… do." Moxxie said as he looked at Lucifuge who seemed only mildly annoyed

"Then listen to your heart's content. I can't imagine more fitting terrible story for that filth to have." Lucifuge said with confidence, making Moxxie worry about what he was about to learn

"Very well. Story of Broken Tower." Azazel said and as before Moxxie was entangled and taken somewhere else. Somewhere not here. Somewhere where he is not himself.

Pride. Joy. Feelings you were longing to have. Life's work at the edge of completion. Your light severed. You are at the end of creating something greater.

A world of beauty you can create finally. No Almighty to thwart your dream. Your enemies few in number. Your plans grand and your head you can hold high, looking up at the beautiful tower made of your dreams. Your desire. It is your life incarnate.

Much of filth of humanity will come, once they are too much they shall be purged and only then Almighty would be allowed to set foot here. But it is long way off. You will create something grand by then. Something no Almighty shall ever break.

You hear laughter. You feel pride. Neither are yours. It is another. Bringer of Light. Morningstar. One you detest so. What is that pleases them so? What is it that him and his ilk made now? No matter. It wont be something that will not crumble, but a moment later. That is what they are in the end.

You hear water. You hear screams. You feel something building. Bodies in the sky. Anger building in your being, you feel betrayal! But there is none. The world full of sin and now all of it pouring down into your world! NO! IT HAS TO BE STOPPED!

WHY?! It cannot be. The space. The plans. YOUR DREAMS!

Destroyed.

There is very little space left. Your realm needs to accommodate. Laughter continues. Still so much pride. None of it yours.

It wont be long before Almighty comes. Before he thwarts.

You had no time. Your tower crumbles as your dream drowns in a nightmare.

A ploy. Genius ploy.

One you do not appreciate.

A nightmare is left on the foundation of your broken dream.

A nightmare that you shall share with everyone else. If you cannot have a dream then no one else shall in this realm.

That is your word in a Broken Tower. That is your word in your book.

The work of your life.

"HAH!" Moxxie felt like he was coming up to the surface of water after being held under it for several hours with no reprieve "I… WHAT?"

"I cannot tell for I already gave." Azazel said

"That was..." Moxxie then looked up at Lucifuge who was looking away now at his book, the work of his life that he despises "Was..."

Moxxie then stopped himself as he saw Shereen shake her head. Even Pen seemed nervous about the next word Moxxie was about to say.

"Deluge." One word, a mere whisper, but with power to destroy the world. Lucifuge's face was twisted with rage beyond what Moxxie ever saw either on him or anyone else "Deluge!"

Overpopulation. The deal was that God would not step in until necessary. So he made it so.

"GGRRRGH! GGRRRRRR!" Lucifuge started to shake as light begun to pour out of his body

"Not again." Azazel simply looked away as Shereen took Pen by the hand and flew down from Lucifuge's shoulders

Moxxie himself was ready to run for his life

"GRRRRGHHHHH AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

*FLASH*

And suddenly the body of Lucifuge was gone in an instant and in their place was something different. Moxxie fell back as he looked at it. A being of gold, eyes and feather. Four Great White Wings are spread around 3 golden circles with countless eyes placed all around them, all of them filled with one singular feeling. Pure Rage. Circles were spinning at a very high speed around a silhouette of a screaming head. Screaming to the heavens with a roar that was more like a heavenly choir. This being was a Throne Angel. And Moxxie felt power that he did not even felt from Azazel now standing not far from him with little care.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHH! AAAAAAAAAAARRRGGG! AAAAAAaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

*BOOOOM*

The screaming continued until a flash of light burst again from Lucifuge and Moxxie was blinded by it's light. The screaming slowly subsided and as Moxxie opened his eyes as he felt no more terrible pressure and pain of Heaven's Light he looked where the being previously stood and now saw someone new standing on the table.

It was about as tall as a normal human and looked like one. There was a beard on the man's face, but even this could not hide the rage seeping from the man. But what was more noticeable was the attire of the man. It was a red and gold bodysuit of a Jester with a cap with three ends and bells at the end of each. The same jester Moxxie met at the Theatre not so long ago with Stella. It was… Lucifuge?

"Hah… Hah..." Jester was breathing deeply and looked with great hatred towards Moxxie "Leave. NOW!"

*BOOM*

In an instant the Jester exploded in light and once again Lucifuge took upon his real, albeit unnaturally large form and then sat back at his chair. Pen quickly jumped onto his left shoulder again and seemed to try to comfort him all the while Shereen looked at him with eyes full of empathy, but also a warning. He had to leave and Moxxie wished for nothing else. Then she looked back at Azazel who simply floated towards Moxxie and with one sheath of paper that made up his body pointed at the doors now wide open.

Moxxie nodded and wanted to say his goodbyes, but Shereen and Pen were seemingly very occupied with now deep in anger Lucifuge. A being of broken dreams. Moxxie had no clue if he felt pity for him or if he just hated him. As everything else. It was complicated. So he decided to simply leave before making this choice.

Azazel helped Moxxie get down from the table and started to slowly lead him towards an exit. Moxxie looked once more back at the Deity in his chair. Shereen and Pen were waving at him and Moxxie waved back and smiled. Lucifuge meanwhile seemed to not even notice. Never before did a Deity looked so… vulnerable.

To be Continued

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Okay. Again. Sorry for this break. I did not plan this to be such a long break. I am very sorry. I have my explanation which is weak spirit that was consumed by Baldur's Gate 3. I really like that game, has it's flaws, but I do enjoy playing it. This chapter overall was meant to be a bit longer, but I decided to stop where I did. Don't worry. The tower will be for sure over in the next chapter, I just felt it wouldn't feel natural to end it now. It already became too long. Way longer than I thought this part would be honestly. Anyway. Hope you all liked it. Hope next chapter wont come so damn late.

Also characters of Pen, Healer and partially Azazel are my homage to my previous work called Lucifuge the Bitter Governor. A story I loved to write for Black Clover manga which I lost my passion for. I hope this wont repeat itself. This chapter is in a way my personal goodbye to those characters. I may include them later on, but this chapter is my farewell to that story. Hope it was okay to read.