Tonight, we found ourselves thoroughly soaked as the rain poured down heavily, carrying with it a salty flavor reminiscent of distant planets or perhaps the tears of the departed. It seemed to cry out, mourning the loss of a nighttime star over and over again. I closed my eyes, letting the sound of the rain pounding against the ground beneath me wash over me. Despite my efforts to push aside thoughts of the turmoil in Sephtis, my mind was relentlessly consumed by memories of the past, its implications, and unsettling ideas.
I couldn't discern how much time had passed since I had begun standing here. The possibility of hours slipping away didn't concern me in the slightest. However, the encounter between Keres and Yoongi weighed heavily on my mind.
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"You will no longer be a slave to your impulses, instincts, and anger once you become aware of them," her voice echoes in my mind. "You're so fixated on what Axel did to you, and as a result, you're consumed by anger. But you don't notice the resentment and desire for vengeance flooding your mind."
"Vengeance will always consume me until I am satisfied," I responded, glaring.
"Once you are aware, that is when you truly separate yourself from the animal within and understand who you truly are," she continued, studying me. "But don't you worry that others may see you for who you are?"
Her question made my heart skip a beat, though I couldn't explain why it reacted that way.
"You do worry, don't you? You worry that even after bringing Axel to his knees, you still won't quench your thirst for revenge. You worry—"
"Be careful, Keres. I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you," I interrupted sharply, my anger flaring. "It will happen, and I will ensure it. Axel's fate is sealed."
"You are shaking fists and trembling teeth. I know: You did not mean to be cruel. That does not mean you were kind. In the end, all you are is a bad dog," Keres stated. "This path of vengeance you're on will lead not only to Axel's end but yours as well. You're walking in fire and blood, and I fear you won't be able to free yourself from such violence."
"Nonsense," I scoffed. "I know what I'm doing, and I know how it will end. It will all be in our favor."
"Is vengeance all you truly are?" Keres questioned.
"I am..." My voice trailed off as I noticed Yoongi in the distance, catching his gaze before looking away. However, my eyes remained glued onto his figure until Keres scoots in front of me. She wants my full attention into this matter.
"Your heart also longs for warmth and love. You don't just seek vengeance; you want to be seen with kind eyes. Vengeance isn't how you want to be perceived. You're simply seeking peace within yourself and around," she states. "Your heart knows its desires, yet you resist acknowledging them," Keres remarked.
