Angel huffed as he looked at the items in his hand over. A black sweatshirt, another red sweatshirt, a gray t-shirt, a black t-shirt, a red t-shirt, some gray joggers and another black pair of joggers. Angel bit his lip, was he missing anything else? He glanced around the store once more, double checking that he had everything before making his way to the front.

It had taken him nearly forty minutes to get to the store which was already cut far too close in his time schedule. He knew there was no way he was going to get back within an hour let alone finish his shopping. He might swing past that butcher shop he saw on the way here, Alastor would probably love a piece of venison. Angel tapped the heel of his boot on the ground as he waited for the person in front of him to finish up. A small chill seemed to rush along his spine, and some of his fur prickled. Was someone watching him?

Angel glanced over his shoulder, satisfied that he didn't see anyone before he noticed the demon in front of him head off with their purchases. Dumping the articles of clothing on the counter, Angel looked over to the sparkly clips on the small stand. A bright pink heart shaped hair pin caught his attention as he plucked it off the stand. The pink jewels glittered in the light of the building as Angel dropped it on the pile, Alastor said he could get something. Once everything was bagged and he paid, Angel was on his way. The butcher was only two blocks back, an easy walk even in his crappy boots. Maybe he should swing past a shoe place and get some different ones. Shaking his head, Angel took a short cut down an alley.

His hairs bristled, as a shadow seemed to almost cover him. Angel felt his skin crawl as he started picking up the pace, he just needed to get to the end of the all-

A hand wrapped around his top right upper arm yanking him backwards and into the closest wall. The bag fell to the ground as Angel stared up into the heart shaped glasses, they were cracked along the left edge and the right side was bent. Valentino gave a low growl as he pinned the porn star so he couldn't move. Angel quickly glanced the moth over, taking note of the torn and tattered red coat. It looked like it'd been dragged through the mud as pieces of it were stained black.

"Hello, Angie." Valentino whispered his red teeth grinning back at the spider demon. Angel wanted to run and scream, get back to the hotel and hide away so the man couldn't find him again.

"H-h-Hi... Val..." Angel finally sputtered out. The moth smiled back as he pulled himself up straight, revealing his lower right arm in a sling. A burn marred the left side of his face, which disappeared into the fluff of his fur coat. It also appeared that he was limping, huh maybe Angel could get away. But he seemed unable to force his legs to move, as his head screamed at him.

"Missed you darling."

"What do you want?" Angel blurted as the Moth's grin faded.

"I want," Val slammed Angel into the stone again, getting a small groan to escape the spider, "to know where he is." Valentino snapped.

"Who?" Angel asked. Playing dumb might work here but in the back of his mind he knew it wasn't going to.

"You know who I'm talking about." Valentino hissed his claws digging into the spider's shoulder.

"I... he never came back to the hotel." Angel responded as he felt the claws dig deep into his fur hitting flesh.

"Then who are you buying clothes for? I don't remember you ever liking red and black." Valentino snarled as his claws finally pierce skin. Angel held the cry as he felt the blood starting to run down his arm. "Now," The grip on his shoulder disappeared as the moth's other hand went around the porn star's throat raising him off the ground, "you are going to tell me exactly where h-" Val cut himself off as he dropped the spider to the ground.

Angel tried to gather air into his lungs, gasping for breath. Angel dared to look up at the moth in front of him, as the towering demon backed away from a black shadow reaching out of the wall. It's clawed fingers extended from the stone work, getting Valentino to turn tail and run. The shadow moved along the wall, before sliding to the ground as it almost inspected the spider.

"I'm okay." Angel whispered. The shadow chattered before twisting itself around the porn star's own shadow, almost beckoning him forward. Angel stared at the shadow for a few moments before it swirled around on the ground, waiting for him. Angel rubbed at his shoulder the blood staining some of the fabric on his gloves. Pushing himself to his feet, he grabbed the bag before rushing after the shadow as it guided him down the alley and to another.

Slowly, the world around him seemed to change from the towering city to small town homes. A lush park laid ahead of him as the shadow guided him there, why here? Angel scanned the area as he heard the hum of a vehicle, and he glanced over his shoulder to see Valentino's red limo following him.

No, this couldn't be happening. Not now! The shadow chattered, snapping his attention to a different pathway, heading around the park. Angel obeyed without thinking, picking up his pace as the limo followed afterwards getting closer by the moment. Angel just barely caught the sign out of the corner of his eyes.

Cannibal Colony.

Fuck, where was this shadow leading him! Why the colony? He never came this far into the city, it was nearly a death sentence. Then again, Alastor probably travels this part of the city almost every day; he might be well known here. The faint sounds of radio echoed through the buildings, relaxing Angel just a bit more. Alastor has control here or at least has some friends here. The shadow swerved down another road, as the limo grew closer.

A building came up fast, as the shadow rushed under the door. Angel just barely caught the sign's name as he burst into the building panic filling his system.

Franklin and Rosie Emporium.

A woman with soulless black eyes stared up at him from behind the counter. A large red hat popped against her snow white skin, two skulls were glued in place along with the massive red feather. The woman gave him a smile that made his skin crawl but he could care less at the moment.

"Can I help you?" The voice was strong and elegant as the woman took notice of Angel's bloody shoulder. Angel sprinted down the aisle to the counter where the woman was coming around to him.

"Please, I need help. I... I..." Before Angel got another word out the shadow rushed up along the floor, breaking from the surface it was on. Wrapping itself around the spider it gave off a small hiss getting the woman to stare at the silhouette for a few seconds.

"Very well, darling." She said a loud pop of a car door came from outside. "Get behind me." Angel doesn't question it as he runs behind the woman in the red dress. The door opened to show Valentino and a guard as they strolled inside.

"May I help you." The woman speaks. Valentino points to Angel as the woman lets out a laugh. "No. I fear that I can't let you take the poor thing. After all, it appears that he belongs here."

"Is that so Rosie?" Val growls as Angel gives a small whimper. The shadow gives off a hiss putting itself next to Rosie as she waves the form back.

"Don't worry darling, I got this." Rosie states as the shadow obeys returning to Angel. "You don't want to fight me in my own place of business, Valentino. I don't think it's a bright idea." Rosie smiles as a small noise escapes the place around them. Low growls escaped the other aisles, as glowing eyes appeared around the shop.

"You really want to get into a fight for this piece of crap." Valentino gestured towards Angel.

"Remember where you are darling. I might not be as powerful as Alastor, but I don't have to be to put you back in your place. Now, how about you take your leave, darling, otherwise dinner might be served a little early." Rosie grinned as Valentino grumbled something before heading out of the building. "Thank you all." Rosie called as the other demons returned to what they were doing previously.

"Th-"

"How is Alastor after that battle?" Rosie asked as she headed back to the counter. Angel wanted to say something but something in the back of his mind told him to hold his tongue. Alastor was still an overlord and with him being as weak as he was perhaps saying anything would be a bad idea. The woman raised an eyebrow at Angel before giving a small chuckle.

"I should have expected as much. Now care to tell me why you were being chased down by Valentino?" Rosie questioned as Angel felt the chill of the shadow at his back, before he moved to the counter where the woman now resided.

"He... he still thinks... he owns me." Angel sputtered as Rosie gave a small nod.

"I'm going to make a wild guess that you're the reason Alastor got into that battle." Rosie stated. "Don't worry darling, I'm not going to do anything with that information. Alastor has been my friend for decades, I would never want any harm to come for him. After all, he helps me keep control of the colony." Rosie admitted, giving the spider a small smile.

"I just..." Angel glanced around the area as Rosie gave a small laugh.

"Oh darling, are you by chance Angel Dust?" Rosie asked.

"How d-"

"Alastor talks about you all the time." Angel stopped his thoughts freezing. Alastor talks about him? "You seem shocked." Rosie mumbled as she leaned against the counter, her right hand bracing her chin.

"I just... He talks about me?"

"Of course, dear. He talks about everyone he cares about. Even if he doesn't show it outwardly he does care." Rosie grinned as Angel felt his chest flutter. Alastor does care, maybe not in the way that Angel wants him to but he does.

"Oh. I should probably head back to the hotel." Angel whispered.

"If you wish, darling. If you need anything, you know where I am." Rosie stated as Angel nodded his thanks before taking a small peek out of the building, satisfied to see it empty. He just wanted to get home without another issue.