From: "Shumate" To: "Final Fantasy Mailing List" Subject: [ffml] [HD] The Assassin's Blade Date: Saturday, July 14, 2001 4:17 PM Few lights burned in the dark port city of Shadizarr. Those few torches that dimly lit the streets of the draconian city cast wildly flickering shadows across various scenes that would turn the stomachs of visitors from softer, more civilized races. Death ran rampant in the disorganized network of streets and dark alleys. There were few actual inns... most were pleasure houses, though screams of pain echoed from such places far more often than sounds of enjoyment. Compared to the lesser races that the demon had the displeasure of encountering during his eternal lifespan, Levitos supposed that the draconians were the closest to having things satisfactory. Of course, the demon mused as he pushed open the door to a dilapidated mageware shop, they were, of course, mere mortals. Various items filled the rotting wooden shelves of the small shop. Spell components that filled jars and pouches, wands, enchanted weapon, magical gems, and other various items that filled the shop with the satisfying atmosphere of dark magic. The black-scaled draconian at the counter, which gave off the aura of a fairly competent magic-user, snored loudly, some drool dripping from the reptile's jaw and pooling on the rotting wooden counter his head rested on. Levitos paced past the draconian, giving items on the shelves cursory examination, and mentally probing for anything that might be useful. "Pathetic mortals..." he muttered to himself, throwing down a tome of simplistic, useless necromancy. At least to him-- it would be beyond most of these mortal magelings that were conceited enough to call themselves wizards. "Hey, human. What do you think you're doing `ere?" a gruff voice rasped from behind him. Levitos turned to see two large... *very* large draconians towered over him. Behind them, the awakened and very annoyed shopkeeper snarled at him from behind his hired guards. Levitos grunted in annoyance. He didn't feel like barehand fighting, which is what this would come to. Draconians of any size were no match for the strength of a demon, much less the magic. Unfortunately, Levitos couldn't use magic in this instance. That esper... that DAMNED esper, would surely detect another esper's use of magic, especially the use of the powerful Atma Weapon. And Levitos preferred his quarry not to be forewarned. As Levitos turned to fully face the two draconians, his hand brushed across an object lying on one of the dusty shelves: a small dagger, in a simple sheath of black leather. His eyes widened in surprise as he felt a sudden rush of magic energy from the object. One of the draconians, mistaken his surprise for fear, sniggered as he drew his scaled fist back. Levitos lifted the sheathed dagger, grinning. This was exactly what he was looking for... a enchanted weapon, but with it's power shielded from detection. Until it was slipped into it's target, at least. A large draconian fist slammed into Levitos, square in the chest, with bone-shattering force. Levitos, distracted from the dagger, looked up at the surprised draconian in annoyance, completely unphazed. A fine opportunity to try out his new toy. Levitos gasped in pleasure as he drew the dagger, the blade's dark power filling him. Oh yes, this was a powerful weapon indeed. The first draconian grunted in surprise as, with one quick, fluid motion, Levitos plunged the dagger in between his ribs, the reflective, ebony blade piercing his tough scales like soft butter. He didn't begin screaming, however, until the blade's killing magic took effect. A few minutes later, Levitos exited the shop, adjusted the sheath as he attached it to his belt. He didn't bother cleaning the dagger before sheathing it-- the wonderful blade had already greedily absorbed the blood that had been dripping from it. Levitos took a deep, satisfied breath. The lifeforce of three draconians, along with all the power of the magic-using one, flowed through in veins, invigorating him. This was indeed a wonderful tool, perhaps even superior to the Atma Weapon, if it was possible to forge such a blade. His battle with Drasandin may have weakened him, but Levitos would have his revenge. He slipped quietly away from the mageware store, vanishing into the shadows of the dark city. The party's trail was simple to follow, especially with many of the party's members being magic-users. All of them would suffer... yes... but especially the esper. -Arcanis Time is the best teacher; unfortunatly it kills all its students. Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/