Chapter 8
When Mystical Elf awoke, she found herself in the arms of Ancient Elf.
"What happened?" she asked, "is everyone all right? Where—"
She was silenced as Ancient Elf placed a delicate finger to her lips. "Shh. You've used up a lot of your energy teleporting here. Pixie Knight and Dreamsprite are fine; they are in the main temple. I brought you to the inner sanctuary of the Goddess when they told me what happened."
Looking around, Mystical Elf was in awe of what she saw. The inner sanctuary of the Kunisayama Shrine was reserved solely for the Goddess's Chosen. There was a magnificent skylight with stained glass of yellow, pink, and blue depicting a flock of doves. The room itself was filled with an assortment of flowers from lilacs to roses. There was a shining aura of holiness throughout. However, Mystical Elf did not stare at her surroundings very long. She was entranced by Ancient Elf's eyes only inches away from her own. Her heart raced with the closeness of their bodies. Dear Goddess, she thought, I think I'm falling for him.
"I understand that Darkbishop Archfiend is the cause of the turmoil in Shinzokumo, but the girls said you mentioned something more powerful seen in a vision. Please tell me what you saw."
"I—" Mystical Elf choked back a sob as the memories of the previous evening rushed back to her. She recalled Celtic Guardian's lifeless body and a tear streaked down her cheek.
Ancient Elf wiped the tear from her face. "Everything will be alright, Sweet One. Your friend will live on in your memories and perhaps your vision will provide us with the information we need to prevent further deaths."
With Ancient Elf's comforting words, Mystical Elf was able to continue speaking. "I saw a great monster that was taller than the buildings, with glowing red eyes, and a destructive force that can destroy an entire city in one blast. And I saw Darkbishop Archfiend controlling it. When we were attacked, Darkbishop Archfiend said something about collecting souls. Do you think he plans to use the souls to summon that terrible creature?"
"That sounds completely likely."
"But what can we do about it?"
Ancient Elf was silent for a long time. He seemed to be meditating on her question. Finally, he spoke up. "There is something we can do. I will tell all three of you together." And with that he set Mystical Elf on her feet, took her hand, and led her to the main part of the temple where Dreamsprite and Pixie Knight were waiting.
"Mysti!" shouted Pixie Knight, "you ok?"
"I am fine."
"You had us worried," said Dreamsprite.
"Ladies," cut in Ancient Elf, "We can do something to stop Darkbishop Archfiend's plans."
"What?" asked Pixie Knight.
"The three of you need to gather the three Sacred Treasures of the Goddess. Each treasure doubles the attack strength of the duel monster wielding it. With these treasures we will be able to defeat that evil monster Mystical Elf saw in her vision."
"Where can we find the treasures?" asked Mystical Elf with determination.
"The first is the Crown of Purity. It lies to the north in the Gaia Forest. Once you safely retrieve that treasure, Mystical Elf will contact me and I will direct you to the next one." I believe you have learned communicate telepathically? He asked Mystical Elf through his mind.
Yes, she replied answering trough her mind also.
"You may all rest at home tonight and leave tomorrow morning," Ancient Elf told them all.