Fragmentary character bits and images in search of a story.

[kiya]

"Do you use poison?"
"When it's appropriate."
"We don't like poison."
"Don't ask me to do a job where it would be appropriate, then."

---

He lifted his hands up over his head, twinned stilettos poised like fangs, coiled back as if to strike. The sinuous, ostentatious motion drew the eye; then he moved, and was gone in a suggestion of black scales.

The target made a soft bubbling noise, and his security turned around in time to see him drop to his knees. The assassin pulled another pair of blades.

---

"Can you teach me that trick?"
He shrugged smoothly. "It's a bit of a knack."
"We're fast, too."
"That fast?"
"Try me."

---

In case I ever find a mode.