Chapter 71: Echoes of Light: Mizuchi Haruka's Journey

"Mizuchi Haruka, why have you come to me today?" The Water Deity of the Divine asked Mizuchi Haruka, though perhaps he already knew the answer.

"Master, I have come to seek your counsel regarding my feelings for Snow Sky-Dog! You may perceive me as a selfish goddess, and perhaps I detest admitting it myself, but the truth is I feel uneasy about Seraphina Frostwind's presence in the love triangle between Snow Sky-Dog, her, and me."

"Oh, Mizuchi Haruka, this is entirely normal! Whether you are a man or a woman, when sharing a lover with another, jealousy and discomfort are bound to arise in your mind."

"Master, does that mean the darkness of wickedness is slowly encroaching upon my soul and mind?"

"Oh, Mizuchi Haruka! Do you know why a stone sinks while a boat floats on the water? It's because the stone looks down. The darkness beneath the water is vast and formidable. The boat also senses the darkness, every second, every minute, as the darkness tries to possess and pull it down. But the boat has a secret. Unlike the stone, the boat doesn't look down but looks up, clinging to the guiding light. It whispers grand things to the light, things that darkness cannot comprehend."

"But sometimes, the light shining below the water is as bright as above. It's hard to discern what's up and what's down. How do I know which light to follow?"

"Well, Mizuchi Haruka! Sometimes you can't ascend until you touch the darkness. Sometimes to fight for the light, you must first touch the darkness."

"Master, does this mean the spiritual energy of a true warrior god also harbors the darkness of evil?"

"Mizuchi Haruka, perhaps a goddess as pure-hearted as you will find it challenging to accept what I'm about to say at this moment, but the truth is the energy of a true warrior god, a guiding warrior, must be as pure, bright, powerful, and enduring as goodness, authoritative and indomitable as evil."

Mizuchi Haruka sat across from the Water Deity, staring into his deep eyes. Her heart trembled, but it also sparked with hope.

"So purity, and strength isn't something a true warrior god can simply possess, isn't it, master?" Mizuchi Haruka felt like a drifting ship in a vast ocean, unsure of which direction to choose.

The Water Deity smiled gently, his gaze profound.

"The very contrast between light and darkness, between good and evil, is what makes the energy of a god shine brighter. Facing darkness doesn't mean losing oneself but an opportunity to explore oneself further."

A sense of patience and determination overwhelmed Mizuchi Haruka's doubts and hesitations. She looked at the Water Deity with deep gratitude.

"Thank you, master. I will never forget your teachings."

They both gazed out at the serene scenery of the world of the deities, where light still shone brightly, despite the lurking darkness. Mizuchi Haruka knew that, despite difficulties and challenges, she would continue to guide her love toward the light, believing that all good things come to those who confront life's darkness.

"Water Deity, my master, I want to ask, in my love story with Snow Sky-Dog, a love triangle, as there is the presence of a third person, Seraphina Frostwind, a beautiful human girl. Do I need to continue to hope and fight for that hope, master? Because I feel that hope is fragile!"

"Well, Mizuchi Haruka! Some say hope is never fragile, even when it's tiny. When all senses sleep, Hope's eyes are the first to awaken and the last to close." The Water Deity looked deeply into Mizuchi Haruka's sea-blue eyes, smiling gently. "Hope isn't fragile, Mizuchi Haruka. It's a powerful encouragement, a motivation that drives us forward no matter how difficult it gets. Of course, hope may be tested at times, but what matters is we don't give up. Remember, in every difficulty, in every challenge, lies new opportunities and potential."

Mizuchi Haruka listened to the Water Deity's profound and meaningful words, feeling encouraged and empowered by them. Her heart stirred at the prospect of the future, fraught with difficulties and risks but also hiding opportunities and challenges she couldn't ignore. She knew she couldn't avoid the battles and trials ahead, but she also couldn't forsake hope and her courage.

"What should I do to hold onto that hope, master?"

"For each person, each situation, the approach may differ, Mizuchi Haruka. But the most important thing is to believe in yourself and your love. Sometimes, to keep hoping, we must bravely face pain and uncertainty. Be yourself, find joy and meaning in your life."

Mizuchi Haruka felt lighter in her heart, yet still hesitant and worried.

"Thank you, master, your words are profound and meaningful to me!"

"Remember, Mizuchi Haruka, no matter what happens, light always exists, and hope will always be there waiting for us. Keep moving forward and find your path, with faith and unwavering hope."

Mizuchi Haruka nodded, a glimmer of hope and determination in her eyes.

"I will never forget your words, master. I will continue to guide my love toward the light, believing that all good things come to those who confront life's darkness."

The two looked up at the deep blue sky, where light still shone brightly, showing that despite the darkness, hope always existed. Mizuchi Haruka knew that despite difficulties and challenges, she would continue to guide her love toward the light, never giving up hope and belief in life and the bright future awaiting her.

"Water Deity, my master, because of your words, I am somewhat reassured about my love story with Snow Sky-Dog, but as you know, the great battle between the world of the gods and the rebellious youkai is imminent. What if I sacrifice myself in that fierce battle? What if I preserve my life but Snow Sky-Dog, the one I love, or Kurogami Masayuki, my elder brother, perishes like dust in the winds of time? Master, I am just a woman standing before a fierce battle! I do not possess the courage of Kurogami Masayuki or Snow Sky-Dog, so I fear our gods will fail before the rebellious youkai."

"Mm, Mizuchi Haruka, I understand your feelings and emotions at this moment. There is a fateful moment in the fate of both humans and gods. A moment of decision, where each of us, individually, must decide who we will be. Will our hearts become stone statues throughout this mythological world? Or will it beat in sync with the brave hearts of the sculpted heroes? Will our courage lie buried alongside our fathers, our fallen brothers? Or is it here, right among us, in this moment? Will we wait to exert our strength when the sun rises? Or will we forever cowardly hide in the darkness? It's all up to us!"

Mizuchi Haruka listened to the Water Ancestor of the Divine Spirits speak with profound and meaningful words, feeling encouraged and empowered by his speech. Her heart trembled with anticipation for the future, knowing full well the difficulties and risks it held, yet also harboring the hidden opportunities and challenges she could not ignore. She understood that she couldn't avoid the battles and trials ahead, but she also couldn't abandon her hope and courage.

"Master, I will not give up. No matter how difficult it may become, I will continue to face and fight, not only for myself but also for the future of all three of our worlds. I will use the power of light and courage to overcome every obstacle, to protect those I cherish and the values we hold dear. Even as darkness lurks in the shadows, I will steadfastly maintain hope and steer my love towards the light."

The Water Ancestor of the Divine Spirits looked upon Mizuchi Haruka with eyes brimming with faith and hope.

"Go forth, Mizuchi Haruka, and turn your promises into actions. The battle between good and evil awaits us, and your strength will be an unparalleled source of encouragement for those pursuing the light."

Mizuchi Haruka felt inspired by the Water Ancestor's words, knowing that she was not alone in this journey. With unwavering determination and courage, she strides towards the light, proving that amidst all difficulties, hope still thrives, and light will illuminate the path for those brave enough to confront the darkness of life.