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Lilith saw Adam take off then called to Aisling to come and ran after him.

Lilith thanked Aisling and assured her that it was fine then turned too Adam, Dougal, and the Shade.

The Shade only continued with it's own warnings of hisses and shrieks. It only dragged a shadowy claw across Dougal's cheek-slicing it. Blood trickled down to his ear then into his hair making it redder than it already was.

Harley heard the familiar sounds of the Shade in the distance. Quietly she came upon "Ace (Adam)," "Sugar Princess (Aisling)," and "Pixie (Lilith)" who were facing against Xion's Shade who still had the "Kitten" in it's claws.

Harley thought about what type of opportunity this offered. If she could act like the 'hero' in this....perhaps she could infiltrate the mansion by becoming their 'friend' and search for the magic books. Hell-perhaps she would be led right to them.

It would be risky. She knew her sudden appearance would probably bring suspicion upon her-especially from Ace. The girls seemed to be a trusting sort though-at least Sugar Princess was.
Then if she managed to win him over-or if he allowed her to join there was Snickerdoodle to deal with. No doubt he would sense a familiarity from her.

She decided to take the risk in the end. But before she did she used her magic to alter her top enough to conceal her shape shifting tattoos. Other than that she was going for a more 'honest' appearance-leaving her weapons revealed.

Showtime.... she thought.

"Why Shady-it's been a while since I've crossed paths with you," Harley said as she appeared out from behind the trees-drawing her gun...taking aim and firing at the Shade's arm. It wheeled back in pain and the sound of the gun fire echoed in the forest. The Shade tried to launch itself at Dougal but Hayley was faster-finishing off her round.

"You blasted witch!" came a familiar voice.

"Ah-Boltz," Harley replied as Xion emerged. "I was wondering where you were." Your hatred towards me will make me more believable.

The Shade limped over, whining and whimpering, to it's master.

((If you need a refresher on Harley her bio is on page 168))

Xion looked down at his Shade. Despite the fact that the Shade had made a meal of Dougal it would have to feed again-soon. He needed his memories taken care of too. He glared back at Harley.....

That witch is up to something and it involved Adam and his friends.....she wouldn't dare try something like this if she wasn't. He knew her....and he would get payback at the right time. But not now...and he wouldn't waste his favor owed to him on this either.

He sent a bolt of lightning at Harley, but she managed to dodge it time. He glanced over at Adam. "You'll be see me again," he promised. Then looking to Harley. "And you'll pay dearly next time I see you, witch."

Harley could only smirk as she dusted herself off. "It's a date, Boltz," she replied as to Xion as he disappeared faster than he arrived.

Harley was busy removing a couple leaves and a twig from her hair when Adam asked his question. "Don't call me m'am. It makes me feel old," she replied in a tone that sounded disgusted yet playful. "The name is Harley- Harley Curtiss. So no more of this m'am stuff, Ace."

"Thank you.....for your assistance in saving my brother," Aisling spoke softly.

"It was nothing, Sugar Princess," Harley smiled then cocked an eyebrow. "Wait....your....brother?" She glanced over at limp half-demon and then Aisling. "You don't look like siblings..."

"Step-brother," Aisling replied.

"Ah," she responded. Then without looking at Adam she said, "Ace-keeping staring at me like that and I'll have to charge you." She straighten her posture and placed her hands on her hips before returning his stare. "If you're going to keep staring at me with such suspicion then why don't you let Sugar Princess and Pixie there attend to the poor guy," she said gesturing to Dougal.

((I don't know why-but I'm eager to read the reactions of everyone to the nicknames Harley gave them....especially Gabriel.))

Adam looked bemused at the nicknames but nodded to the girls at harley's suggestion they carefor Dougal while he keep an eye on her.

"Perhaps better introductions are in order." he said formally, disliking his own nickname. "I am Adam, this is Lilith and Aisling. May i ask how you know Xion?"

"Information for what?" Adam asked, still suspicious.


--

Gabriel glanced at Opal's agitation and put an arm around her waist gently, nudging ehr towards him.
"hey, hwo about we go for a walk? there's little we can do until they return."

natasha looekd relieved. "great idea - i could use the fresh air."

Sin was still sulking over her raccoon. "I'll stay in and riad this place for anything useful. I'm intrigued as to the goodies you have around here."

Natasha nodded. "well...you could try my grandfather's old study. I belive it's not been demolished...yet. There's where we kept all the cursed items. i'm sure you've got more expertise in that line than I have."

Sin grinned. "ooh sounds interesting."

Adam couldn't help but warm to the idea of a quest for knowledge like this young woman was apparently on. It appealed to him.
"You speak of us like we're a type of animal." he said, but with a sign of amusement rather than offense.
"The only difference between various demons and angels are age and birthplace. like humans, I suppose. in teh end we're all united by God."
he looked over dougal again and then back to harley.
"come. if you wish you may accompany us, if you behave."
he knew it was a risk, but the value of allies was as essential to them as being wary of enemies.