The Trail.

The crisp white shirt sharply contrasted the skin splotched with black and blue. Luckily for the demoness, the shirt was opaque and covered the bruises well. Amelia held her breath as she slipped one arm into the sleeve and immediately exhaled in relief. She repeated the stiff and awkward movements to settle into the other sleeve. As she buttoned the dress shirt, she reminded herself to thank Niffty for washing and ironing her clothes with such care.

After putting on her trousers and wingtip shoes, she silently stepped out of the small medical office.

To her surprise, no one was outside in the hallway.

Amelia gave little thought to it and began making her way to Charlie's office. Though, it was not to see the princess but rather because her alter ego asked her to do so. In the office, Amelia lifted the carpet to reveal a hidden safe. After typing in the code (kindly provided by the alter ego), Amelia reclaimed her possessions. The familiar weight of the concealed holster and revolver made her feel whole again.

She left the office and went towards the lobby. Upon entering said lobby, Amelia noticed how strangely empty it was. She strode to the front entrance and tried pushing the glass door open and was met with resistance. Amelia cocked her head to side. 'Can they really afford to be closed?'

The chuckle reminded her of warm thick honey. 'You say that as though it was ever profitable to begin with.'

Amelia smiled. 'Does Charlotte know I got a letter?'

'It was Angel that squeaked, my dear.'

'So, you know everything?'

'Everything you cared to share.'

She looked over her shoulder then. He stood a few metres away with what looked like a sympathetic smile on his face. Many would consider his presence menacing, yet Amelia saw him as an odd comfort. They were two lone rats on the same sinking ship.

'I can't talk to her now,' Amelia said. Her lingering hand on the golden bar tightened.

'Ah, you're leaving then?'

'Unless you plan to stop me.'

Alastor laughed. 'Why should I do something so detrimental?' He walked over to the door and stuck a glittering gold key into the lock. 'Not to mention, I am going with you.'

Amelia stood there; dumbstruck, unsure on what to say. She realised he did not yet turn the key. She could guess why. 'I don't think it's wise that we walk the streets together.'

'Rightly so! Though I don't think your shadow will mind some company.'

'I didn't know you could do that.'

'Is that a yes?'

Amelia ran the thought through her mind a number of times. She could see that he had a few good reasons to join her. If she were in his shoes, she too would want to find the ones who dared steal from her and even try to kill her. And given where Amelia plans to go to further her investigation, she might need someone like Alastor.

'Should I leave a note?'

Alastor's smile widened. 'I'm sure they'll figure it out.' He unlocked the door and pulled it open. He bowed slightly and gestured to the outside. 'After you.'

Amelia walked out and waited for the Radio Demon on the steps, all while ensuring that she wasn't too far out in the open. Anyone could be watching. The sound of the door locking caught her attention. She saw a very pleased-looking Alastor walk down the steps while whistling a cheery tune.

'You locked the door?'

'Vaggie did ask me to keep the doors locked.' Without another word, Alastor melted into a black puddle and merged with Amelia's shadow. 'Shall we?' The joyous voice came from within her mind. Amelia sensed the discomfort of her alter ego; becoming roommates with an Overlord is hardly exciting.. To its misfortune, the private eye chose to ignore it.

'I'll have to ask you to behave yourself,' she said to Alastor. Amelia did not speak the words but merely thought them. The sharp laugh indicated that he understood well.

'Have I been anything but a gentleman, thus far?'

Amelia didn't reply. She walked away into the dark shadows of the sidewalks then slipped further into destitute alleyways. Her path consisted of alleyways, forgotten walkways and demolished buildings, all of which would lead to her destination; Crocell avenue.

...

'What did you do after my untimely death?' Alastor asked.

Amelia didn't answer immediately as she was preoccupied with checking the area around her. In relation to the other series of questions during the trip, this was the first that was directly related to her. 'Does it matter?'

'Simply curious how sweet little Amelia ended up in hell.'

The private eye chose not to reply. What Alastor didn't know was that many before him got the same answer when prodding into Amelia's past life.

At the door of the former physician, Amelia took a quick glance around before knocking twice. Herr Entress came to the door within a minute and let her in. The private eye said little to him and only showed her intent by making a beeline to his laboratory. Once inside the sterile space, Amelia produced two envelopes, both encased in separate clear plastic bags.

'I need you to examine these.' She gestured to the envelopes. 'I believe they were sent by the same person. Maybe there is some trace that can indicate who or what-'

The weasel demon took them with gloved hands. 'Let me take a look.' He tilted his chin to a chair by the microscope. 'Please zit, you look like you'll collapse any zekund now.'

Amelia waved away his concerns and joined him at the metal examination table.

Friedrich examined both letters and envelopes with various methods; scrutinising every inch of paper with a magnifying glass, placing them over light source to search for a water mark, passing a UV lamp over check for any biological residues. He hummed in disappointment. 'Should I dust for fingerprints?'

Amelia shook her head. 'Don't bother.'

'I could try and remove the ink?'

'It's worth a try. Though, I doubt the ink will tell us much.'

'For your sake, Mrs Langdon.' Friedrich pulled away from the table. 'I hope it does.'

'I shouldn't be mad, right? I did ask you to examine them.' She said drily.

The weasel shrugged before heading over to the cabinet stacked with an assortment of chemicals. 'Dies investigation has dragged you to share the same enemy as him.'

The venom in his voice elicited her lips to form a smirk. Amelia allowed herself to smile before Herr Entress turned around. She watched as he returned to the table with the amber-tinted bottles. He went off again to gather equipment. During this time of preparation, Amelia took the opportunity to read the letters before they were destroyed. She found it amusing given that Alastor's letter was shorter than hers.

"Alastor,

By the time you receive this letter, someone will have been dispatched to infiltrate your residence. They are quite skilled and will succeed.

Do what you will with this information."

Amelia projected to Alastor: 'Did you know why they went there?'

'I did.' His curt reply spoke volumes.

'How could they have known about it?'

'Ha! Isn't it obvious? Some shamus you are.'

'I am no higher demon, Mr Durand.'

'That's because you never served Satan.'

Amelia felt the blood drain from her face. The ringing she had been hearing all day became louder. 'You're lying,' she spat.

'Now, now, why would I ever do that?' The joy in his voice only raised her ire.

'You killed for pleasure.'

'And the idol just dropped from the sky into my lap? Oh, I do like that story.'

'Herr Entress,' Amelia said aloud, cutting the non-verbal conversation short. 'How long will the analysis take?'

'About a day. Depends how long it takes to purify the ink, and also, I'll have to see if the two letters share the zame ink at all. Then-'

'I know,' Amelia said with a weak smile. She had been using her arm as a support to stand for longer than she could bear. 'I think I'll take that seat now.' Amelia did not wait for any sort of reaction or reply from Friedrich and went away from the table.

Now seated, Amelia felt that she could trust herself not to fall down. The room still swayed in her eyes but she knew that she had to endure it. Time was of the essence, and Amelia was running out of it.

'Whatever is the matter, my dear? Hit your head?' The familiar voice teased her from the realm of nothing.

'Know anything about live fighting events?' Amelia directed the question to the weasel.

Friedrich's furry features expressed a soft scowl as he worked. 'Whatever my answer, is this about "The Colloseum"?'

It was Amelia's turn to be confused. 'How did you know?'

The solution he applied to the pages made the typed words melt into nothing more than a black smear. 'Your bull came to zee me about vat he found there.' He spared a quick glance from the delicate work. 'You do not believe me?'

Amelia could feel herself sobering up. 'When did he come?'

'Yesterday. And before you ask, he came to compare something with der DNA sample.'

'Something?'

'He said it vas a skin sample. Please Mrs Langdon, you are distracting me. Give me a moment.'

Her heart rate started to rise. 'Whose DNA was it?'

Friedrich sighed as he pipetted the two black solutions into their respective centrifuge tubes. 'It vas a cyclops that once vorked there, according to the bull. He wanted to see if this cyclops had any relation to your griffin.'

'Calix.'

'Das vas his name.' His words conveyed derisiveness.

'Don't get smart with me, Entress,' she snapped. 'What were the results?'

'First cousins.' He continued to label the two tubes. After doing so, he placed them in the centrifuge and started the machine.

'Damn it all.' Amelia rose from her seat. The dizziness slowly began once more. 'Did he say anything else? Where he was going or-?'

'He iz a silent type.' Then he smirked. 'Never thought him renegade.'

Amelia sneered. She started walking towards him. 'Listen here you Nazi bastard-' Amelia ran face-first into Alastor's chest.

'Ho ho! Careful there, darling!' He held her still by holding her arms. 'You can't skin a demon in your state.' He turned his head to look at the weasel. 'Good man! I assure you that answering Amelia's question would be in your best interest.'

Friedrich's mouth hung open.

'Did you have to get involved? This is part of our usual banter,' Amelia snapped.

'Ah but you see, why be here when we could be finding that cyclops?'

'It may not even be the same-'

Friedrich spoke. 'Where in der Hell did you come from?'

'Herr Entress,' Amelia interjected. 'Don must've said something before he left.'

As if on cue, Alastor stepped to Amelia's side with a comically wide grin on his face.

The weasel swallowed. He licked his lips before speaking. 'H-he only asked about Calix's family name, if I could find others related to him. I told him that I can only find was ist given to me. He didn't say where he vas going.'

'Are you sure?' Alastor purred.

'Very.' Friedrich kept his eyes on Amelia, not once looking at the Radio Demon.

'I appreciate you telling me. Just-' she leaned on the hand she placed on the table. '-let me know of the results when you're done. If Don comes back here… tell him to "visit our friend".'

Friedrich gave a curt nod. 'I think it is best you leave now,' he said. With his back glued to the running centrifuge behind him, his firm voice did little to intimidate the pair.

'I agree.' Amelia's tired voice indicated that she was done with the conversation.

Alastor, on the other hand, either did not notice or did not care. 'You agree? He barely told you anything.'

'He told me enough.' She pulled away from the table. 'Hope there's no hard feelings between us.' She addressed the weasel, who responded with another nod, this one more assuring. Amelia walked out of the laboratory and could sense Alastor just a few steps behind her. Her legs felt to be made of pure lead. It became a conscious effort not to drag her feet across the wooden floorboards. Navigating through the indoor forest that Friedrich raised, further drove Amelia to rely on her muscle memory to find the exit.

...

After leaving Herr Entress' residence, Amelia once again slipped into dark alleyways. She chose to stop when she gained as much distance as she could from the former physician's home. The demoness settled herself onto an old crate located behind a brick building that used to be a bank. A weary sigh escaped her lips as the pressure on her legs eased. The Radio Demon took the opportunity to depart from her shadow and take on his physical form. He smoothed over his red pinstripe suit and flashed her an enthusiastic smile.

'That went extraordinarily well, I say!'

She stared at him. 'How?'

'What do you mean "how"? This fellow of yours found the cyclops. Now we need to find him. It should be simple enough.'

Amelia pinched the bridge of her nose. 'Don wasn't supposed to be working at all. This is not good.'

Alastor cocked his head to the side. 'Goodness, don't tell me you can't find him.'

'Of course I can,' she said roughly. 'He could get himself killed. What a fool.'

'That would be awful, yes? We will lose a lead on this case that is threatening both of us.' He stressed the latter by putting a hand to his chest.

'I don't need you to understand so I won't explain.' A cackle of laughter in the distance interrupted her for a second. Once the merry-goers piped down, she continued. 'You'll have to return to the hotel; I'll take it from here.'

'Ha-ha! What a funny suggestion.'

'I am being serious. Don is involved; I'll have to be cautious.'

'Lest you forget, my dear, I know as much about this Don as you do on rocket science.' Then he raised a finger to shush her protest. 'Even if you are to somehow evict me from this investigation, don't think that that will stop me.'

'This is completely uncalled for. I understand why you'd want to be involved-'

'In that case, let us not waste any more time! Unless-' he bent down to her eye-level. '-you need more time to compose yourself?' He teased.

Her lip curled. 'You're underestimating me.' Alastor moved back as she pushed herself off the crate. In spite of Amelia's initial display of grandeur, she almost fell to the ground littered with moist garbage. One could pin her light-headedness on Amelia standing up a tad too quickly.

The one who added more weight to her shame was Alastor, who ever-so-graciously caught her when she collapsed.

Amelia saw him as a blurry visage, grinning down at her. 'Maybe you should've stayed in bed, hmm?'

The private eye tore herself out of his arms and this time was able to maintain stable footing. 'Stay in my shadow and do not exit until I say so. I don't want a repeat of what happened with Herr Entress,' she commanded. The blush in her cheeks indicated that blood had returned to her head.

Alastor hummed in agreement and, as before, melted into her shadow to share a space with her alter ego. 'Where are we off to, captain?' His cheery question echoed in her mind.

'The place I would go to when looking into a name.'

...

In the extravagant garden of the villa, the air carried the tune of one playing the piano and whistling of birds. The lush purple grass was trimmed and the maroon shrubs were sculpted into lewd figures of demons. Within this garden, a private party was being held with some of the Hell's nobility in attendance.

A small group ventured into the greenhouse where they chose to make merry. Other guests could be found at the grand gazebo standing in the middle of the garden, some even went back inside the villa to do as they pleased.

Our scene lies within the greenhouse. By the rows of coal black geraniums, the four demons stood about with wine glasses in hand. One of the male demons, a cheetah, said a joke which made the others laugh. Save for one, however. Stolas was terribly bored and inwardly cursed himself for hosting the party in the first place.

'Whatever is the matter, Stolas?' The nasally voice of the female demoness caught his attention.

Oh great. He thought to himself. He smiled up at the giraffe. 'Nothing at all.' The plastic smile was now turned for the others to see. 'So, these are the prized fauna that we have gathered throughout the years.' He waved his wine glass to the other various flowers and plants. The guests hummed in agreement.

'Exquisite,' said one guest.

'Marvellous, indeed,' said another.

'Stolas you must show us your vineyard!' The cheetah demon suggested, which also earned a series of nods and hums.

Stolas could feel the smile burn his cheeks. 'Ah yes, the very wine you drink comes from those grapes. I could ask my servants to show you around. I am afraid that my years do not allow to me expend myself too readily.'

The guests guffawed as though he told a good joke. Satan, I beg of you, get me away from these sadists.

The answer to his prayer came in the form of Neo; his personal servant. 'Your Highness,' he said politely.

'Yes?' Stolas noticed his guests rolling their eyes at the mouse demon.

Neo swallowed. 'Mrs Langdon is here to-'

'Ladies and gents.' He turned to the guests. 'I must apologise but an urgent matter has come to my attention. Do enjoy yourselves in my absence.'

One of the guests, a lizard demon pipped up and asked when he will be returning. However, by the time he finished his sentence, Stolas was already back in the villa with Neo rushing after him.

Stolas went through the lounge doors and smiled upon recognising the raven-haired demoness. The smile soon dropped as her finer features began to set in his perceived view. Her right cheek sported a black bruise, her heterochromatic eyes rested atop hefty bags, and when she rose from the black Chesterfield sofa, her legs trembled.

He took both of her hands into his own and kissed them. 'What happened to you?' In the same breath he commanded Neo to fetch the household physician.

'You don't have to panic.'

'Not to panic? Oh goodness, please sit down.' He lightly pushed her back on to the sofa.

She sat but still held on to his hand. 'Listen, I'm here because Don came to see you. I want to know why.'

Stolas scowled. 'He came for the list you asked me to prepare.'

'And?'

'He took it. Did you not send him?'

The grip on his hand loosened. 'No, I didn't.' Her voice low.

'Don't despair, I have a copy. And I must mention that he left a file here.'

Amelia's eyes sparked with determination. 'Where are they?' She started to rise but Stolas pressed down on her shoulder.

'After the doctor has a look at you, I'll tell you then.'

'I don't have time-'

'Don't be so hasty. You were able to find Lucille even after she hid within the 8th and 9th circles, you'll find Don.' He nodded at the new arrivals; the physician and Neo. 'Though, you can't do it when you can barely stand.' Stolas rubbed the back of her hand before releasing it. He then departed the loungeroom; leaving her in proper hands.

...

'You collaborated with Stolas of all people?'

The thick brew prepared by Stolas' physician had a lingering aftertaste. Amelia focused on ignoring the smell that emanated from her own stomach, lest she vomits and is made to drink the sludge once again.

The doctor was thorough with examining her body. Every unhealed ecchymoses and cut on her skin was covered with a poultice that dried into a thick mass after application.

'Was I supposed to ask you?' She said to the voice in her mind.

'No, I suppose not. Ha! I didn't know that the fellow was capable of much.'

'It doesn't matter. Don left something.'

'A little too convenient, don't you think?'

'That tells me that Don knew I would come here. It appears that he wasn't trying to leave me out of the loop.'

Alastor hummed in thought. 'That doctor is quite adamant to not let you out here until he says so.'

'I don't like your tone, Mr Durand.'

'What are you on about?' he sputtered. 'I want what is best for the both of us. Darling, you are… indisposed. And I-'

'This won't take much longer. So, stay put.'

'How could you be so sure?'

'Let's just say that this isn't the first time Stolas put me under his physician's care.'

Alastor chuckled. 'Strange for a noble to be so kind to a Sinner.'

'I do hope you're not insinuating anything.'

'Never.'

Their conversation ended there when Amelia heard the door of the small medical office open. Judging by the footsteps, it was the doctor. He greeted Amelia in the same sterile manner as always and gingerly removed the poultices. The private eye was finally able to look at the doctor after he peeled the mass away from her eyes. The otter demon flashed a light in both her eyes and then repeated the action with a card between her eyes.

Once the doctor was determined that everything was in order, he notified Neo that Amelia was available. She dressed quickly and ignored the unsettling reminder that she was not completely alone. When he was still alive, Amelia would pin him as an epitome of a gentleman. And how much of that gentleman remained, she had yet to determine.

Neo led her to Stolas' study, where the Prince could be found going over a document at his desk. Neo left and closed the doors after him.

The study was modest in size when compared to the library. However, what was not modest was the grand oil on canvas portrait of the prince that hung on the wall behind the desk. It was as though Stolas wanted it to be the first thing people saw when entering the room.

For the first time since opening her eyes that day, Amelia was able to walk without questioning her faith in the next step. Stolas noticed this.

'It is good to see you well again. Though, I can see he was not able to mend everything.' He gestured to his cheek in reference to hers.

'Forgive me for trying to move things along, I need to see those papers.'

Stolas smiled. 'You know, Don told me you were in trouble.' He slid a file towards the edge of the desk. Amelia opened the file and removed two slips of paper. Both pages had a total of four faces on them; two were familiar. One face was of the griffin, the other was of the cyclops. Stolas handed her another slip of paper which was of the name list. Amelia didn't have to do any cross-referencing as the surnames of the demons were highlighted on said name list.

'Drakos, Kefalas, Athanas. The latter was not on the list yet this siren you see did have it. The former two families did lose a member or two to Alastor.'

Amelia looked at Stolas. 'When?'

He appeared to think. 'Maybe sixty to seventy years ago.'

She pressed her lips together. 'That can't be the motive.' She tapped the back of her index finger on the image of the siren. 'There is a reason he included her.'

'Could you be so certain in his deduction skills?'

Amelia stood in silence, staring at the images before her. She sighed. 'Drakos and Kefalas, what's their reputation?'

'The blood for blood sort, you mean? I can't really say as they fell from grace ages ago.'

She raised a brow. 'How come?'

'Some disagreement with Lucifer had their title of nobility stripped. Now, all they are known for is that fighting ring and a few brothels.'

'And Athanas?'

'Same thing really.' He shrugged.

'Have they tried to regain power?'

'Ah, such headstrong demons always try. Lucifer is at the top of this little party we call hell for a reason.'

She nodded. 'Did Don tell you if he was going anywhere?'

'I didn't bother asking. He gave me the file to further look into the surnames but that is all.'

Amelia's eyes fell. 'Funny how he trusted you enough to mention that I was "in trouble".'

Stolas rested his feathery face into the palm of his propped hand. 'What happened?'

'I got a white letter; Don shouldn't have known about it. I don't know how he figured it out but I must've been sloppy.'

Stolas raised a brow. 'Then what of your injuries?'

She shrugged. 'Alastor.'

'Goodness!' he clasped his hands together. 'How did you manage to escape?'

'Truth be told, I didn't. He is currently residing in my shadow. This entire time he has been quite talkative and is requesting to be let out.'

'Amelia, now is not the time for such jests.'

The demoness smiled and tilted her head, her raven curls spilled over her shoulder. 'Have I ever been the jesting kind?'

Before Stolas could reply, the glossy black phone on the desk began to ring. The owl demon scowled and apologised. He lifted up the receiver to his ear. 'What is it?' The reply earned an eye-roll. 'It can't be that important-' he paused and listened. 'Alright, give me a moment.'

The graveness of his voice concerned the private eye.

Stolas put the receiver to his chest. 'Someone called in, the operator says they're asking for you. By name, I should add.'

Amelia uncrossed her arms. 'Did they say who it was?'

'Some broad calling herself Alice.'

She quickly stepped to his side and took the receiver from him. 'Amelia speaking.'

The operator stated that he was going to connect the caller and for Amelia to stay on the line. After a few moments of silence, a new voice rang from the speaker.

'Hello?' The demoness spoke clearly but her trembling voice indicated that she was in a panicked state.

'Alice? Is that you?' Amelia asked.

'Oh! Amelia, thank goodness. D-don called the house a-and-and he told me to tell you t-to-to go home.'

The repetition of words told Amelia much more. 'Alright. Alice, I want you to stay calm. Tell me, are you and the kids safe?'

'Yes, we are,' she breathed. 'We aren't a-at at home right now. Don hasn't been home in two days and he's telling us he loves us and this and that- oh goodness. I can't-'

'Alice.' Amelia interrupted when the other demon's voice began to rise. 'Your children need you; do you understand?'

'Yes.'

'Now I need you to listen to me, do not trust anyone and stay in hiding. This will be over soon and I don't want anything to happen to you and the children. If you need anything, anything at all, call the Hazbin hotel and ask for Charlotte.' Amelia proceeded to state the number, which Alice jotted down. It may seem that Amelia knew the number by heart, in truth, a certain someone from the shadows whispered it into her mind.

'Okay. Okay, I'll do that. Please, Amelia, bring him back to me- us.'

'I will do my best.' Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the receiver. 'I am going to hang up now, did he tell you anything else?'

Alice said no and wished Amelia the best of luck before hanging up. The dial tone rang in Amelia's ear for a few long seconds before she finally put down the phone.

Stolas watched her with wide eyes. 'That was Don's wife?'

Amelia gave a curt nod, a blank expression over her face. Her eyes went to the door. 'I have to go.' She gathered the slips of paper and put them into the file. 'I'll be taking these.'

'I figure he left them for you anyway.'

Amelia looked at Stolas. She meant to say something but decided against it. She tucked the file under her arm and said a simple goodbye to Stolas, who looked at her with knitted brows. Amelia didn't wait to hear his reply and left the lanky owl demon behind in his study.

Don had left her a trail, and she had every intention to follow it until the end.

A/N: I have been gone for a little while and felt that I should remind everybody that this story is still kicking with a new chapter. Actually, I was supposed to have my Pharmacology test this week and then it was cancelled. A lot of exams are being shifted around and suddenly I have time again, even if its just for a little while XD. There is a chance that it will be another long period before I upload the next chapter, but I promise that this story does have an ending and it will be written and uploaded. It is just that my studies require 90% of my time.

Anyway, I would like to thank you for reading this chapter. If you've got the time, I'd appreciate to hear your thoughts on the story.

P.S-I hope that you're healthy and doing well :))