Yamiyo no Hotaru

Chapter 51

Everywhere I looked was an endless white space.

　"... it looks familiar."

　I stood there in a space so white that I had no idea how far it extended, and I frowned in displeasure. I definitely recognized this space. The problem was that I had forgotten everything about my previous time here until just a few minutes ago...

　"Dreams are easy to forget... but that's not why you're here, is it?"

　I ask the being that stands behind me as I turn around.

　There is a figure with lustrous green hair that comes into my view.

　At first glance, I almost let my guard down, forgetting everything that had happened in the last event. It is probably because of her power that is too strong even though it is only a remnant from the main body that my instincts force me to recognize it as my mother, even though she does not even look like her.

　And now, this monster from the age of the gods, who is so abominable, horrifying, and evil, smiles a big smile that seems to have nothing but good intentions, as if she cares about me. A smile filled with love. ...But then again, I'd like to hit her hard.

　"Now then... this is another messy one."

　It seems that I'm back in the mental space where the youkai mother's blood is waiting for me. Is it just harassment that I can hardly remember the last time until I come here again? Or what...

　"Heh-heh, this is for your sake, too, you know? You don't want others to look into your memory too much, do you?"

　"But what's the point if you're watching me?"

　Maybe she is trying to make me feel better in case I am being watched, but I am not happy about it because she is the source of the problem in the first place. I wish she would get out of my head as soon as possible. Or is there a reason? Does she think she's an exception because she's acting as my mother?

　"So what is it? It's weird of you to bring me here after such a long time... after having no contact with you before."

　Rather, I'd hoped we'd never meet again, but...

　"Oh? Isn't it natural? My sweet, sweet child is in danger from a stranger. As a mother, it's my duty to watch over my child's struggle, and when the burden is heavy like this, it's only natural for me to help, isn't it?"

　"What are you talking about...? Wait, dangerous?"

　The youkai mother smiles with a lively, good-natured smile. However, her words shock me and make me feel uncomfortable.

　"...You're a funny one, aren't you? Everything that lives is a brat to you. Is it wrong to put a hierarchy on children?"

　I spit sarcastically and ask at the same time. She talks as if she loves "children," but, to her, insects, humans, and youkai are all treated as equals. Everything is equal.

　And, perhaps because of her nature as a Goddess of the Earth, she does not deny the food chain and the survival of the fittest, even though she talks about love. Therefore, even if a person squashes an insect or a youkai eats a person, she understands and approves of it to the same extent. It is only a quarrel between siblings. It is doubtful that she even recognizes every individual. And the problem is...

　(The way this monster is talking about "the heavy burden," and the way she talks doesn't make one feel good about the situation... what's the point?)

　I have a bad feeling about the existence of this crazy person who doesn't show any hostility even to a human being who has a Dagger (tantō) stuck in her face. And it is proved in the next moment.