who we are and all that we're trying to be
Repeating the process was much the same, collecting fragments off the beach, and segmenting them into the designated pile. While it seemed tedious, dull, and monotonous, it was also mind-numbing; no need to think, no need to plot, no need to immerse himself into machinations or calculations.
Except a stranger meandered along the shoal, and instantly the hound’s attention was raised, ears pricked forward, blue eyes pinpointed, segmented, nares widened. The beast didn’t recognize the man at all, not from any particular stroll nor scar, and thought to continue his actions, apply nothingness to the shambles of these events.
But then the vocals echoed, the movements clapped, and he was caught staring, listening, to the words resounding.
Hey puppy! Are you a good boy?
If he were in human form he would’ve lost all composure, no matter how well versed and practiced in his veneer – the nonchalance warped to his jaw dropping, and then a likely course of bewilderment, confusion, followed by hasty retreats.
However, as a massive, soulless-looking heathen, Deimos had some options here.
He could ignore the man entirely, much like a cat – give no ounce of attention to the nonsense contorting further down the shore. It’d be well within his nature to apply the reserve, the impassivity, and simply believe the unfamiliar cretin would leave.
Or…
The wheels were turning, shifting, mischief taking hold when it likely shouldn’t have. A demonic press, a devilish inquisition, a seditious spark of pride contorted through the long limbs, through the irreverent bones, through the midst of vehement, immoral entities. No smirk chiseled its way, no snicker took hold along the dog’s maw, and he made no move to follow the calls. Instead, a long, savage, and eerie howl exuded from him – as if calling to let loose his fellow hounds of war and mayhem, slipping their chains, their tethers, their bonds. It was the only warning the other would receive; for Deimos had always been one for brief foreboding tactics, lingering opportunities many had left in the dust.
It takes dying to know
How to live as ghosts
