Chapter CCLI: Malevolent Robbery ~Multehx

As Lich, Markior, Ark, and the multiple new Yoshies made their way back to their village, they crossed through a canyon. The massive rock walls towered on either side. They all crossed through, Lich nearest the front with the apparent "leader" of these Yoshies. But, at about mid-way through, there were a series of echoing metal clanks from the paths in either side of the canyon above that reverberated around through the crevice.

The group stopped and looked around above. Almost instantly, the sound stopped. All was still again. A few birds were heard chirping. Lich turned to Ark, about to say something to the effect of things being a false alarm, when several silhouetted figures appeared in the distant sky above them. The forms rapidly cleared the distance, landing in a circle around the now scared and bewildered group.

Ark glanced to the one that landed just behind him. It appeared to be a knight in armor, brandishing a rather large, ornate spear. He couldn't make out its face as the interior of the helmet was shrouded in shadow. Consequently, five more of the knights, each armed with a different medieval weapon, were standing around the group in a large circle. There were whispered inquires among the group as to whom these warriors were, though the three had a bit more experience with the identity of these beings than the rest.

A low toned laugh filled the divide at that moment. The Yoshies glanced around, though the three already knew that it couldn't be one of these warriors. As if on cue, another appeared by the side of the knight guarding the path ahead. He twisted his beard in a clawed hand, grinning evilly.

"Well, if it isn't the infernal lizard brothers and their friend, the smoggy one," he snickered.

The brothers simply growled while Markior's eyes flashed with his anger. Malachai, he growled, what is it YOU want, demon?

The Twilighter smiled, shrugging. "What, I can't drop by and visit my old opponents with my new comrades? You hurt my feelings." The Xel’Naga growled at the quite obvious sarcasm. Malachai just ignored this and continued. "Anyways, I do believe you have made me sad now. Oh dread, I was feeling quite happy. I don't know what could cheer me up now!"

One of the Mechna Knights tilted its helmet, then turned, pointed at the group, patted its money purse, and pointed at Malachai again questioningly.

The demon chuckled. "Yes, I do think that would do the job in full. They do have some rather nice belongings. You may do the honors, as it was your idea.”

Seeming to snicker sans voice, the Mechna Knight grabbed Lich roughly, pulled him over, ripped off his belt with Pokeballs (Love the Stats of Page One here) and tossed it to Malachai. The Twilighter grinned as he slipped it on under his cloak and knotted it shut.

He smirked. "My, it's a perfect fit! And, seeing as how the lizard makes no use of the denizens of the 'Pokeballs', as they are called by mortals, I think it shall be quite enjoyable to redirect them to servitude of me. What do you gents think?"

In unison, the knights nodded. Some even gave a thumbs-up with their free hands.

The demon laughed cruelly then grinned darkly at Lich, who obviously was quite offended by this theft. "Do have fun, little lizard. My few today will be an army soon enough. Till we cross paths again, foolish runt."

He snickered, then with a wave of his hand, the knights and he all sprung to a canyon wall and proceeded to kick off it, rebound off the other, and ascend higher until they bounded over the walls and out of sight.

Lich sank to his knees, not saying a thing. Ark wasn't sure what he should do; respond with sympathy or retain indifference.

Markior just pounded a fist into his hand. Well, I could not give them a fight with you all in jeopardy, but I most certainly can catch them now and give them what's coming and reobtain the belt and balls.

Lich slowly shook his head, muttering, “No...knowing that race...they're long gone already..." He sighed and slowly looked to the sky. He almost swore he could hear Malachai's twisted laughter carrying on the breeze, mocking him further and stripping him of his pride.