Chasing Dreams (Discontinued)

Chapter 236: Separated

"I don't think you understand, so I'll say it again. I'm really sick of your clan. I'm sick of your old ways. I'm sick of your racism. I'm tired of your teachings. But most of all, I'm fed up with how you all find ways to beat around Suzume. First Sayuri, then Ryota, and now you three...."

"It'd be so much easier if I got rid of all of you."

Ren frowned, disappointed with himself. What's wrong with me?

Renji Tachibana was aware of the darkness present within. He did his best to ignore it, and when he couldn't, he tried to tame it, only to no avail.

Yesterday's incident replayed in Ren's head for hours. Suzume's wailing screams, Hakuji's apologetic stare, and worst of all, Ren's murderous gaze. Thinking over the incident made Ren view himself in a different light.

Last night he was a completely different person, tainted by anger and fully consumed by hatred. Ren lowered his head in disbelief. His parents taught him to be greater than hatred because Ren would become greater than them by overcoming hatred.

Ren knew if he sought reconciliation with his parents, they wouldn't blame him. They weren't perfect either. Irene fell victim to her wildfire after Makoto died and chose to burn down the world and have her children mend her lasting damage. Makoto wasn't much different. When Ren was kidnapped from the Dragon Temple by Kazuto and other hero association officials, Makoto didn't waste any time hunting them down and getting his son back—although, unfortunately, giving into anger led both of Ren's parents to an early grave.

With that in mind, Ren's guilt grew. He could only think how much he disappointed them with his displays of anger. First, he hurt Natsumi, then he compared Nyssa to Mei and traumatized Manasa. Ren's actions towards the Sasaki family only added fuel to an already massive fire.

If I don't change, things will only get worse from here.

Mei was the first person who came to mind. In times like this, he couldn't help but think of her. Mei was the one who brought Ren's darkness to light. She exploited him and transformed Ren into the worse version of himself.

However, despite all the cruel acts Mei had done, Ren couldn't blame her for everything. Sure, she was the harbinger of most of the pain in his life. But with that being said, she wasn't the origin of the darkness that infected their lives. Homura was.

Ren imagined Homura smirking, delighted by how he was coming along. She hated the Fumiko Clan even more than he did. Seeing Ren crush their executive members must've set her heart ablaze.

Oh, Renji, there is no reason to run from your anger. The rage you feel now is an emotion that has existed for a long time and transcends normal understanding. What you're experiencing isn't just your anger. It's ours. Our clan has been abused, culled, and enslaved by the Fumiko. It's only natural when meeting one face to face your spirit has become enraged. Give in and finish the mission we started 300 years ago.

Ren broke free from Homura's words. Rot in hell, you old bitch.

By all means, necessary Ren wanted to avoid becoming like Homura. Homura was a benevolent ruler but a cruel individual. Homura sought to make things better for the Fujiwara Clan. But that was the problem. Homura only fought for the Fujiwara.

Renji Tachibana understood his purpose better compared to when he was younger. He was the Garuda of Creation. Homura's other half. The sovereign of chaos. The azure phoenix. The dark king. The hero of the entire world.

Suppose Homura wanted to fight for the Fujiwara Clan. That was fine. All that meant was that Ren would have to fight infinity harder to preserve the whole world. He couldn't risk Homura destroying everything he held dear, and his sentiments extended to Michael and the entirety of Judas Heart as well.