Chapter Text
“Rat, you can't just sit there all day.”
She looked up at the tree he was in, nearly making eye contact. Her tail thumped against the cracked stone tiles, stirring up the dirt that had settled there. Bad never knew how she could see him, despite being incorporeal all the time. He figured animals were just especially keen to the supernatural.
"There must be something better for you to do," he told her. "Besides, I'll fade away soon. It's best you leave before it happens.” He heard her whimper at that, and immediately felt bad. It was true, though. He was a minor god, slowly fading away, and Rat was the only thing keeping him alive. He appreciated her firm, unwavering belief, albiet rather humiliating that a dog was his only follower.
He sighed. How much time did he have left? He was able to use the last of his power to extend Rat’s lifespan, but what then? Once she died, then…so would he.
How long could dogs live anyways?
He leaned back in the tree, recalling the time they had come across each other. If memory served him correctly, Rat had stumbled across his tiny, crumbling temple when she was a puppy, and had liked it enough to stay. He’d been near death, then, and she’d saved him. He’d watched over her for a few days, but never saw anyone looking for her, human or otherwise, so he assumed she was on her own. So he’d used his last sliver of power to provide her shelter from harsh weather, gave her easier prey to hunt, and took care of her as best he could. After all, that was the least he could do for a dog that saved his life, right?
He shifted his wings to form a leathery cushion of sorts. Perhaps he would take a nap to pass the time. Today was nice out anyways. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the breeze was especially cool today. It would be a waste to not enjoy it.
He closed his eyes and began to fall into a light slumber.
Then Rat started barking. Sharp yips pierced through the air, making Bad jolt up. Was she in danger? He scanned the area for threats, but didn’t see any wolves, blood-thirsty or not in the forest nearby.
Then his eyes landed on…a human.