Ramblings of a Stray Dog

[ACuriousGrey]

I've gone by many names and titles, over the years.

Lila. Mother. Sister. Aunt. Athelios' Hunting Dog. Pathetic little puppy.

Some even preferred 'bitch' or 'demon'. Whatever suits your fancy, really. I've never cared.

But, I find myself faltering now.

It's funny, isn't it? I always taught my son, "Our Aether means freedom. There is no chain that can ever hold us down."
And yet, here I am. Finally free. And, more than anything, all I have left is this cold, emptiness inside.

How ironic.

It just reinforces what I knew all along. Rhea was right. I'm nothing more than a lapdog.
A pawn for others to play, use, and abuse. An unfeeling, unquestioning weapon that only sought to slaughter those who stood in my master's way.
. . . . .
He gave me purpose. He gave me direction. He gave me focus. He gave me a reason to keep pushing forward, no matter the cost.
He was the light that shone on my darkest hour. And I gave Him my everything, to become His loyal hound.

I watched it all, when no one else would. When everyone lost their faith in you, I always believed. In your unfaltering righteousness. In your message.
When everyone left you alone... Broken. Slowly driven insane from the pressure, from the expectations that were thrust on you. I was always there.

And yet... I wasn't enough. They say dogs are man's best friend, but I know they'll never truly be able to replace the warmth that another human being can bring.
I was never a person. I could never be there for you. All I could ever do is wag my tail, smile, and obey.
For all you praised me, for all you told me you trusted me, for all I tried to be everything you needed,

I failed you.

I watched as you stabbed yourself through. I watched your final sacrifice.
I watched you bleed out in Her arms. Your last moments, as you apologized for not coming home to Them. As She sobbed while the life faded from your eyes.
You were so at peace... Perhaps, my heart ached, knowing that you'd never make that face for me.

Master, you're so cruel. You left me alone, without purpose. Without direction. Without a reason to push forward, no matter the cost.
My light is gone, and I'm left in the darkness once more. But, maybe, this is where I belong, after all is said and done.
Maybe I'll protect Her in your absence. Maybe I'll watch Them grow up, knowing you couldn't be there for it.

Was this what you wanted from me? Was this all for my own good? I'm trying to stay hopeful, thinking that you did this for the greater good.
That there was purpose behind this, as there always was.
Trying to tell myself that you didn't abandon me.
But, that doesn't make it hurt any less.

I'll see your Divine Mission to its completion, on your behalf. I won't allow your memory to be forgotten.
But, after that... I don't know.
After all...
What is a dog with no master?