It's nearly my time. It's been a millennium, and soon even my greed will not bind me to this world. Sakubi must pass on.

With a rumble, my tail sways a mere few feet. Even my dull, ancient ears pick up the sound of heavy footsteps... those of a broken man coming to pillage my hoard for the much-needed gold. A beloved daughter's medicine... the cost of sanctity and protection in the never-ending war... the ransom to return a captured son... it matters not. I have heard all stories, as no man nor woman dares trek across the opening of my "kingdom" any longer without a pure heart. The tales of yesteryear have driven all but only the most desperate to seek me out.

I take no pleasure nor do I feel powerful at the moment of their inescapable demise at my claws, for I am not Wrath nor Pride. Their forms, while nourishing, are but secondary to my treasures, as I am not Gluttony. I have worked hard for my hoard, so I Envy not, and I am not Sloth. I will share this with no others, no matter how perfect, as I feel no Lust... no desire for companionship. The baubles, the jewels, the riches... those are my love, as I am the incarnation of Greed on this earth. I am Sakubi, a dragon whose avarice knows no bounds.

This time, however... this time one "fortunate" soul will be able to pilfer some of my treasure. As I am fatigued, not long for this world, and it is soon time to find my successor. I can pick up the vibrations in the air from his shudder... the sound of his pounding heart from all of the fear. Though it pains me to allow it, I feel the clank as one of my thousands of dearests gems being pulled away from me. I can feel her resonate as he slips her away from me. She was one of the more recent ones, but it made her all the more beautiful as her azure shown brightly in even the most meager of light.

...mine... mine. mine. mine. Mine. Mine. MINE.

Instinct nearly takes hold, but I must bide my time. The human, perhaps instinctively sensing my growing apprehension and agitation, is quick to flee.

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As is human nature, the man returns again and again. His footsteps tread more lightly now, as he has been emboldened and confidence, not panic, guides him. He brings along something made of cloth, perhaps the size of one of my dewclaws. While still cautious, he is also more discerning. Even the man, now blinded by Greed, can sense that I am aware of his presence. One day, assured that I am too feeble to move and are in the throes death, he stops.

"Are you not the dragon that I have heard about for generations?" he mused. "And now unable to do much but snort as I approach. For am I such a wise and lucky fellow to have approached as I did, all of these wonders shall belong to me..."

Nearly I failed at my goal, as the sound of my bellowing voice caused the human to fall onto his back in panic. "For I am, and as much as I may or may not be able to do, you needn't worry that this treasure might not become yours. I may not have the strength of centuries ago, but shall you decline my offer, you will be of the final few written about in my legends. For am I looking for a beneficiary for my fortune, though at a price. A price not quite so brilliant as my diamonds, but one that you may be able to assist with me. Accept, and the legends will become about you."