Chapter 4

After the school bell had rung, Mystical Elf was sitting in her seat in religion class. She had not been there for two minutes, however, when her teacher, Shining Angel, came up to her with a note. It read:

You are to promptly go to the Kunisayama Shrine.

Headmistress Megami

Without a word, Shining Angel turned away. Was that a look of concern in his eyes? Mystical Elf thought to herself. What in the world could be going on?

Confused, she left the building and headed for the shrine. On her way there she saw Dreamsprite and Pixie Knight.

"Hey!" She shouted, "wait up!"

"Mysti!" Answered Pixie Knight, "did you get a note too?"

"Yes. Why do you think we need to go to the shrine?"

"We have no clue. Let's hurry! I'm so wanting top know what this is about!" Pixie Knight and Dreamsprite then began to fly ahead of Mystical Elf, in their excitement to reach their destination.

"No fair, you two!" called Mystical Elf.

Within a few minutes they had all arrived at the Kunisayama Shrine, and were surprised to see the Celtic Guardian waiting outside as well.

"Wow!" exclaimed Pixie Knight, "you're here too? I wonder if they wanted all the top students?

"Then why are you here?" Asked Dreamsprite, jokingly.

Their conversation was cut short by the entrance of Ancient Elf.

"You're Holiness!" Shouted a flabbergasted, bowing group of everyone except Mystical Elf, who merely bowed without the formal greeting.

"Please, come in. I must speak with you all," replied Ancient Elf.

The group of friends shakily entered the shrine. Only Mystical Elf was not nervous, since she came here every morning. When they reached the center, Ancient Elf turned.

"This is a matter of great importance." He said and then related to them the contents of the message from Shinzokumo. "You four must help us. You need to go to Shinzokumo and find out what is behind this evil. We must know what we are up against. When you have discovered the source, come back here. This is very dangerous. Will you agree to help?"

The friends were mostly too stunned to speak. Most of them were having trouble with the fact that they were being asked to help a city which they had grown up learning was dark and evil. Mystical Elf was the first to reply.

"I will do all that I can to help."

"Thank you," replied Ancient Elf looking at her with deep purple eyes. Be very careful and return to me safely.

Did he just speak to me through his mind? Thought Mystical Elf. Ancient Elf just gave her a knowing smile.

"Well then count me in too!" Shouted Pixie Knight.

"I'll also go," replied Dreamsprite.

"And me," added Celtic Guardian.

"Then it is settled," said Ancient Elf, "I hope to see you back here soon. May the Goddess be with you."