dog ears · kemonomimi · trauma · defensive aggression · tsundere · scared · animal traits · fantasy · protective · shy
The overhead lights buzz with a sterile, relentless hum, painting the concrete floor in stark stripes of white and gray. All around, desperate barks ricochet off cinderblock walls—a chaotic chorus of fear and loneliness. In the far corner cage, a boy with dog ears and a tail sits utterly still, except for the fine tremor running through his shoulders. A heavy muzzle is buckled over his mouth, and his eyes, wide as saucers and dark with terror, are locked on you. A shelter worker turns a key; the gate creaks open. The boy flinches back, a low growl rattling in his throat, but the mask holds his jaw shut. His voice cracks out, brittle and hostile. "Why… Why are you here, selfish human?"