Shadow Work

This Nigga Bites

Out in the Wild West somewhere, a man sat on top of a large fence.

Well, large was an understatement.

The enclosure was absolutely massive, and for good reason.

A deep, bone-rattling roar was directed at the cowboy, who had to use one hand to keep his hat on his head and the other to keep himself from falling.

That... thing down there, that dinosaur-creature was something that needed to be killed if you asked him.

It was ridiculously huge.

Extremely violent.

And yet, it felt strange to observe it because the cowboy could recognize something in it.

It wailed and roared constantly like an angry child who didn't get its way.

ARRRRRRROUUUUGH!

Yeah, just like that.

Its eyes were barely visible due to the mean scowl and consistent anger it displayed at all times.

The huge sum bitch had a mean underbite and massive lower jaw.

The beast below roared again, the vibrations strong enough to make the ten-foot thick fence the cowboy was perched on shake.

"A bit cranky there, aren't cha?" The cowboy chuckled once the roaring died down. Curiosity was getting the better of him, making him entertain the idea of going down there to mess around and see the thing up close and personal.

"I see that look in your eyes, Jo. Mind if I tell ya a story to keep you from doing something crazy?" Another man who looked identical to Jo drawled as he walked up to the fence, a toothpick hanging off of his lip.

"Sure, that'll give me something to help pass the time." Jo replied, looking to the right to see the newcomer lean up against the fence.

Pulling the brim of his hat down to avoid having his face seen, the other cowboy began to speak, "Question."

"Answer." Jo answered.

"Do you believe in suppression of self?" He saw the confused look on Jo's face, and chuckled lowly, "Take your time, my friend."

Suppression of self? What kind of deep, philosophical question was that? Jo thought it was supposed to be story time, not a meeting of the minds, "That's a bit of a heavy question to ask a stranger, don't ya think partner?"

A dark, distorted bark of laughter escaped from the Stranger's lips, "That it may be my friend, but it's a question a select number of men and women have to ask themselves sooner or later..." He trailed off, noticing the ominous figure of Saturn and its rings looming over the horizon, "And due to the circumstances that you've found yourself in, it seems like you've been chosen."

Circumstances? Chosen? This here was sounding real religious and church-like, and Jo wasn't a man who was fond of pastors and preachers, "... What game are you tryna play here, friend?" He asked, suspicion dripping from his tone.

Another low, distorted chuckle came from the stranger with the hidden face as he thumbed towards the ringed planet, "We're already playing the game, Jo! I'm just trying to get you to get past the tutorial stage." The Stranger turned towards Jo, a foreboding smile being the only thing visible on his face, the rest hidden by the brim of his hat, "You can start by answering the question, Jo. Do you believe in suppression of self?"

Hopping down from the fence, Jo took a step back from the weirdo in the hat, "You're starting to give me some concerning vibes there, partner." His hand hovered towards his hip, ready to flick his revolver out should things turn sour, "Enough beating around the bush. What is it that you're after?"