I'm still alive, never fear. I just didn't feel like writing for a while. Okay…I was playing computer games! Are you happy? I played computer games and I was too lazy to write. I'm sorry! *begins to sob hysterically*

If You Can Count to Ten

"I think I'll be going now," Xelloss announced with a cheerful wave. Sylphiel issued an enraged shriek and lunged for him. Her unusually violent action took Lina by complete surprise and the shrine maiden managed to break free of her grasp.

"Give him back. Give him back, now." The priest laughed blithely and phased out–

–To reappear a few feet back from his original position. A puzzled look crossed his face as he gazed about. Again he reappeared a few feet back. Successive attempts brought him up against the back wall and no further.

"I see there's no escaping now, Xelloss," Lina crowed as she advanced upon him despite the heaving floor. He cut a glance towards the rift in the ground and was gone.

* * * *

Ari took another deep breath and let out a horrible shriek. As fast as she could take in air she screamed as she plummeted towards the end of the tunnel. Above her own cries she heard Val emit one of his own, only pained instead of frightened. Something soft brushed her face and she felt his hand grab a hold of the sleeve of her shirt. For a few moments her descent slowed and she glanced up. Through the dim light she could discern the faint outline of wings. An Angel?

The fabric screamed as the sleeve tore free and once again she plunged downward. Instinctively she curled into a tight ball, knowing that wouldn't help at all, and prayed for a miracle. It came in the form of strong arms catching her moments before she would have crashed. Nonetheless her rescuer groaned as she slammed into him or her and they both tumbled to the floor.

"That was interesting," a cheerfully impertinent voice announced. Orange light flashed about the area and suddenly the whole space was illuminated. A few moments later a winged Val landed heavily on the floor, Gourry in tow by his ankle.

"I told you not to do that," Ari cried. She stood up seething with anger and stalked towards the amused Mazoku. "The Angels punish all those who use powers granted by the gods or demons. This is all your fault." The demon in question shrugged indifferently.

"Oops."

"Now what?" Val demanded. He blushed darkly as Ari turned her attention to him. He attempted to make his expansive black wings less conspicuous in vain. Finely he heaved a sigh of defeat and let them hang loose from his shoulders.

"Explore of course," Xelloss declared with an enigmatic smile. Ari frowned at him and wondered what she should do. Something told her that the passage that they were in lead to places best left undisturbed. There were close to the Dark Priestess' shrine and that wasn't a good thing. On the other hand he was an adult and her mother had always told her to mind her elders. She had never said anything about what to do if said adult was also a demonic entity.

"I wonder how the others are," Gourry remarked, staring at the deep crack they had fallen through.

"Do you really trust him?" Val hissed inching closer to Ari. She shook her head and cut a pensive glance at the priest.

"The only way to get out is through the portal in the Priestess' Shrine. So no matter what we're gonna have to go there."

"Shall we both?" Xelloss inquired cheerfully appearing between the two children. The girl shrieked in surprise and jumped away while Val stood where he was, being used to such intrusions.

* * * *

So not really a cliffhanger. I think I'm getting over it now. Please review.