She wasn't completely clueless, but she was born of absolute power, accustomed to solving problems in the most direct and effective way, never considering 'degree' or 'impact'.
After a long while, she asked in a small, fragile voice, thick with a nasal sound:
"Then...what should I do now?"
She looked up, her golden eyes shimmering with tears, like dust-covered stars, full of confusion and helplessness.
"They...must all hate me now...that old lady...and the uncle...they'll never smile at me again, will they...?"
Seeing her looking as if she had been abandoned by the whole world, Koushi's heart softened, mixed with a touch of helplessness.
He reached out and gently pinched her tear-stained, yet still soft and smooth cheek.
"Since you don't know what to do, and can't figure it out..."
Koushi's voice carried a guiding tone.
"Then, let me tell you a story. It's a story about a girl who also possessed great power, who was once lost and made mistakes, but ultimately found her own path."
Aqua blinked her wet eyes, showing a curious expression.
Koushi adjusted his posture to allow Aqua to lean more comfortably against him, then began his narration in a calm tone, as if telling an ancient legend:
"This story is called'Sky Ranger'. The protagonist is a girl named Kiana Kaslana..."
He began to tell the story, describing how the white-haired, blue-eyed girl bore a heavy destiny and power, and her former stubbornness.
He recounted the tragedies and regrets caused by her loss of control, mentioning the harm she inflicted on the world due to her uncontrolled power, and her inner pain.
He described how, with the help of her companions, through repeated battles and introspection, she gradually learned to control her power, understood responsibility, and used that immense power for true "protection" rather than destruction... He recounted Kiana's inner struggles and growth, how she went from "being controlled by power" to "controlling power," from confusion to determination, ultimately Understanding that "the meaning of power lies in protecting loved ones, not in wanton venting."
The sun slowly set, and the light in the room gradually became soft and hazy.
Koushi's voice was not loud, but it clearly echoed in the room.
Aqua listened quietly, her golden eyes constantly flickering as the story progressed, sometimes confused, sometimes enlightened, sometimes pursing her lips as if empathizing.
She heard Kiana crying bitterly for hurting important people, heard her struggling in loneliness, and also heard her finally standing up, carrying the past, and steadfastly moving towards the future, using her power to protect everyone worth protecting.
The story ended, and a brief silence fell in the room.
Aqua lowered her head, her long silver eyelashes drooping, seemingly digesting the lengthy story.
Koushi didn't disturb her, just quietly stayed with her, feeling her gradually steady breathing and relaxed body.
After a while, Aqua finally looked up, the confusion in her eyes seeming to have dissipated somewhat, replaced by a nascent thoughtfulness.
"Kiana...did she...become a hero in the end?" she asked softly.
Koushi smiled slightly and ruffled her hair.
"In many people's hearts, she is. But more importantly, she found her own answers, found a way to use her power, and never gave up on those she wanted to protect, and also...forgave herself and moved forward."
He looked into Aqua's eyes and said earnestly: "My Aqua, you possess power no less than hers. And your heart to protect everyone is as pure as hers was at the beginning."
"So, don't be afraid to make mistakes, and don't deny yourself because of others' fear. What's important is what we learn from our mistakes, and how we can better use our power in the future."
Aqua stared blankly at Koushi, and in her golden eyes, something seemed to be quietly changing.
It was no longer pure dominance or confusion, but a glimmer of...something called "thought" and "possibility" had been injected.
The last ray of sunset disappeared below the horizon, and the room darkened, but the path of a nascent consciousness seemed to be illuminated by this story, with a faint but hopeful lamp.
Finally, he reached out and gently wiped away the tear about to fall from her eye with his thumb.
"idiot Aqua, do you understand the problem now?"
His tone carried a hint of chiding, but no blame.
"From now on, you must learn to control your power, solve problems with smarter, gentler methods. The premise of freedom is not to hinder the freedom of others. Using power to stop violence will only bring more violence. Power should be used to protect, not to kill, understand?"
Aqua nodded vigorously, giving a nasal "mm" sound.
"As for them..." Koushi looked at the fading sunset outside the window.
"Perhaps they are very scared now. But, as long as Aqua no longer uses such terrifying methods in the future, and slowly treats others with kindness, just as they treated you initially... one day, they will understand."
He lowered his head and gave Aqua a warm smile: "After all, my Aqua is essentially a good child, right?"
Aqua looked at Koushi's unclouded smile, full of trust and tolerance, and felt the warmth of his embrace. The grievances and unease in her heart seemed to be dispelled little by little by the light of the setting sun.
She hugged Koushi back tightly, burying her face in his arms, and replied in a muffled yet incredibly clear voice:
"Mm! Aqua...is a good child!~☆"
The last trace of sunlight disappeared below the horizon, and the room fell into a gentle gloom.
But in this gloom, between the two embracing figures, a faint lamp named "Understanding" and "growth" seemed to be lit.
The road ahead might still be full of challenges, but at least at this moment, relying on each other, they found the courage and direction to move forward.
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