Chapter Three

The group labored to the top of the mountain. Mark expected a sharp drop at the other side, but he was surprised. A long slope of stone stair curled down lazily. Ledges held small yet well made huts. The weather wasn't any cool, but large trees shaded the path and small streams trickled down parallel to the steps. It was so perfect it was frightening. He looked over to his sister for support. She seemed more bemused than awed and he took comfort in that. She wasn't much of a fighter so she seemed to have gained a nose for trouble.

"Wow." Ash said gazing around wide-eyed. Misty and Gary wore similar expressions. Brock, well, how could you tell?

<Do you like it?> The one named Aoshi asked. He seemed amused at their open amazement.

"Like it? Like it? It's beautiful... in a boring, peaceful kind of way." Mark grinned. A pair of furret ran across their path completely unafraid.

<Remember, no catching.> Aoshi warned pointedly looking at Ash and Mark. The blond tossed out a sincere-ish grin and saluted with two fingers. <These pokemon have no reason to fear human beings. Under our protective shield this valley remains undetectable to humans. Only a few ever visit here.>

"So how'd those doofuses find it?" Mandy remarked offhanded. Misty glared, but the redhead remained mindful of the aquatic vee pacing the girl's side.

<Perhaps it was written.> The older mewtru commented quietly. Mark could tell his sister's snobbish behavior was bothering the old man. He actually agreed sort of. Ash and his two friends seemed fairly nice.

They walked a bit more and Mark noticed off to the left there was a dark cave maw. A pair of mew stone statues guarded the entrance with surprisingly fierce expressions. They large eyes were set with bright, semi-precious gems and the stone was a rose marble. Whoever had sculpted them had an eye for details making the pair look so life like Mark shivered.

"Aoshi, what's that?" Brock asked staring at the cave entrance. Aoshi remained silent.

<Here we are.> The older one announced completely ignoring the question. Whatever was in the cave they weren't telling. Mark peered at it until Mandy poked him on the shoulder. He gave her a half smile but couldn't shake off the creepy feeling that he didn't want to know what was in the cave.

The entered a large structure. It was made of tiles and stone rather than the usual straw. The architecture had a distinct slant and curve design that made the place seem playful. It was made of the same rose marble as the statues guarding the cave. Candles flickered casting a warm glow and throwing gentle shadows. It was surprisingly cool inside and their footfalls were muffled.

Another mewtru approached. She was garbed in a white sheer robe type outfit with a pink sash tied around her slender waist. Unlike the two males her skin color was much lighter, more like the sky. Her large eyes were a murky white, but she walked with confidence. Mark could tell she was blind. He figured she must have lived most of her life in the temple so she knew her way around. Or maybe it was some sort of special psychic power?

<Greetings questors.> Her voice tinkled lightly and her head turned to each of them in turn. <My name is Kersha and I am head priestess of this temple. Welcome.>

Aoshi and the older mewtru bowed low. Then they turned and walked out leaving the group of human youths to the blind priestess.

<Sit.> Kersha bid sweeping her delicate hand outward. Cushions and pillows lay to the side of the altar in neat order. Each human took on cushion and their pokemon a pillow. Once they were comfortable Kersha started to speak again, <You six have been chosen to complete a very important task. Your success will affect the entire world, as would your failure.>

Mandy shifted for the first time seeming uncomfortable. Mark thought he knew why. She had never been one to go seek out responsibility although leadership suited her well when she wasn't being artificial.

"What do we need to do?" Ash asked eagerly and Mark stifled a groan. Like his sister he wasn't exactly out in the world to help people. A lost puppy? Sure. Saving the world? Uh, no.

<We mewtru were placed with a great trust. To keep the evolution of pokemon in motion. Without constant care the evolution would fail. Each species would remain in their baby form forever. This would in turn affect food chains, habitats, and ultimately all pokemon life. You human also would be affected. Your society would be disrupted, your economy in ruins.>

"Priestess," Mandy interrupted not seeming to know how to address a lady of the mewtru's status, "For a time things would be ruined, but humans always land on their feet if you know what I mean. We're really quite obnoxious. And pokemon is resourceful too. Things would go on."

<This is true.> Kersha admitted seeming to eye the girl, <However, the world would be vastly changed. And not necessarily for the better.>

"So what can we do?" Ash pressed.

"She is getting to that." Gary snapped and his umbreon growled empathizing his annoyance at Ash's insistence to be a pest.

<Children, please.>

"I'm not a child!" Ash shouted and jumped up. Pikachu lost his balance and landed on Mark's head. The electric rat let out a shout of surprise and sent a jolt of electricity tearing through the boy's body. Bolt leapt up, snarling. Mist was immediately at her brother's side. Misty and Brock had wisely scrambled out of the way.

<HALT!>

The three aggressive pokemon stopped immediately. Sparks crackled dangerously around Bolt and his lips were drawn back into an intimidating snarl. Mist's frill and tail remained raised and her normally tranquil purple eyes were filled with aggression. Pikachu was still chattering in pi pikas and his tiny fists were clenched.

A large mewtru entered from behind the altar. He was much blockier than the others they had met with a large, strong build. His tail was more like a bullwhip and his wedge shaped head was wide and scarred. His skin was a dark navy color and his eyes a cold black. A hard frown was plastered to his face and his brows were drawn downward.

<Ah, Siyamak, please join us.> Kersha invited her face covered with a warm smile. He growled, <Fools.>

<Siyamak will be joining you on your quest. You see, normally there would be a party composed of three humans. This year, however, has a slightly different outcome. Each of you will seek out a stone. A stone of evolution. With these special stones you will trek to the top of Mount Moon. There you will complete the ritual and allow evolution to continue. To aid you, you will be given special powers and these.>

The blind priestess made her way to the altar with a vague smile. She motioned for them to join her. Laid out on the stone table were weapons. Not guns and modern stuff but swords and bows. Each was colorized differently with inlays of precious metal and stones.

Gary leaned forward over a matched pair of short swords. Amber stones were set in the pommels and cross handles with black wrapping over the hilt. The sabers were razor sharp with thin points. Cautiously he reached forward to touch one then stopped in askance. The blind priestess, as if sensing his doubt nodded and urged, <Go ahead. They are yours. Whatever draws you are your weapons. Let them choose you.>

Gary snatched up the swords like someone else was reaching for them. He stared at the blades with respectful brown eyes and a slight smirk. His umbreon mewed and nipped his calf. He blinked and the smirk vanished, but not before Mark caught a flash of malicious intent.

Putting it out of his mind Mark leaned over the table letting his weapon choose him. Except nothing happened. None of them jumped out at him or anything. They just looked like a pile of cool weapons. The mace seemed promising. It was studded with gems of varying shades of blue banded with cool steel. The wood was solid and a leather cord had been strung through the bottom of the club for easy transport. There was a halberd with a long handle and an ornate head. A thin, sharp spike was placed on top and the keen edge was laced with silver while the over all color was black. Bits of onyx and crystal decorated the handle. His gaze lingered on the broadsword. Bright gold plaiting laced to make lightning shaped designs around the edges of the hilt and a bright yellow stone of some sort was lodged in the pommel. The sword looked heavy yet Mark was sure he could lift it.

Bolt bounced curiously on the table. His black nose twitched and his eye flicker searchingly. His spiky ears swiveled back to Mark when the boy tried to shoo him off. Instead of jumping off he sat next to the broadsword. Hesitantly Mark hefted it under the watchful eye of his electric pokemon. Once the metal weapon was in his hands Mark felt all the doubt drain away. This was his, it was meant for him.

He barely noticed when Misty chose the mace and Brock the halberd. His sister choose the twisted wooden staff that was slender yet strong. Garnets and other semi-precious jewels of fiery colors swirled around the head and set on the top and wrapped in wood was a large tear shaped ruby.

"Hey wait a minute! Where's mine?" Ash yipped in frustration. The table lay bare of all weapons except a single yew bow and a quiver of arrows. Mandy hesitantly picked them up careful not to jog her staff. "Don't I get any?"

Kersha turned to him and recited in a strange, distance voice, <The chosen one has no need of human weapons.>

<Rest.> Siyamak commanded sharply pointing them out. <Tonight all will be told.>