Mayumi Joutouguu
Mayumi Joutouguu's Fantasy Rebirth Story
...Where could Mayumi be?
???
PLAYER? Is that you?
Mayumi!
Mayumi
What are you doing here? You're a regular human, and these are dangerous times!
Mayumi
I'm amazed you got here in one piece!
Actually, the animal spirits brought me.
Mayumi
They did? It's not like them to be helpful... How strange.
Mayumi
Then again, maybe they've figured out exactly how much of a tight spot we're all in.
They're still trying to protect their animal economy...
While also preparing for the coming conflict.
Mayumi
Hmm, that would certainly make sense.
Mayumi
Even if a war of unprecedented scale broke out, everyday life would continue.
Mayumi
That goes for humans and youkai in Gensokyo, Animal Realm animal spirits, and human spirits in the Primate Spirit Garden.
Mayumi
People cling to normality for as long as they can, only hurling themselves into the unknown when there's no other choice.
Mayumi
The animal spirits aren't as smart as the human spirits, but their civilization is the most advanced in the Animal Realm.
Mayumi
I've even heard rumors they've built a complex communication network using shikigami... or was it with computers?
So why'd you think it was strange they helped me?
Mayumi
It's not them who's strange...
Mayumi
It's you. Everyone―even the animal spirits―likes you so much.
Huh?!
Mayumi
You're like the protagonist of some epic tale. Your existence feels too convenient...
Mayumi
No one is loved by everyone. And yet, you are.
I-I don't know what to say...
Mayumi
Don't worry, I'm not trying to make you feel bad!
I-It's OK! I just don't know why people like me so much.
I get why they like Reimu and Marisa, though.
But I'm not like them. I'm not special.
Mayumi
...
Mayumi
You came here to see Lady Keiki, right?
Mayumi
I can take you to her right away, but do you mind if we talk a little first?
Mayumi
Think of it as a favor for me.
Hm... OK, then!
Mayumi
Heh heh, thanks.
Mayumi
...You know, I don't think everyone feels the exact same way about you.
Mayumi
But I'm pretty sure all of them see you as a fragile, ordinary human girl.
Mayumi
Which explains why they're so nice to you. Where's the fun in acting all high and mighty around someone weaker than you?
Mayumi
Doing so would actually make THEM seem weak.
Mayumi
The stronger someone is, the more likely they are to treat you kindly. And that kindness serves as a show of strength.
Mayumi
The more arrogant a god, the more mercy they show you. The scarier a youkai, the more they spoil you... Well, kinda.
Mayumi
Being feared by little kids like you is what sustains youkai. At least, that's how it's supposed to be.
Mayumi
They're actually kind to you for a different reason.
Wh-What is it?
Mayumi
...
Mayumi
I'm a haniwa, so it's not my place to tell you!
No fair!
Mayumi
Don't worry. I'm sure one of the youkai will tell you eventually.
Mayumi
Anyway, all the affection you get is a form of loyalty.
Mayumi
Of course, that doesn't mean everyone does exactly what you tell them to...
Mayumi
They're not THAT kinda loyal.
Mayumi
Loyalty might seem simple, but it's actually really complex.
Mayumi
Lady Keiki created us haniwa. From a human perspective, you could think of us as robots.
Mayumi
Humans struggle to build truly obedient robots, but we're just that. We're 100% loyal servants.
Mayumi
But what does that mean?
Mayumi
First, a loyal servant must never harm their master nor allow them to come to harm through inaction.
Mayumi
Second, a loyal servant must obey their master's orders―so long those orders bring no harm to their master.
Mayumi
Third, a loyal servant must protect themselves―so long as doing so doesn't violate their master's orders or harm them.
Mayumi
Even with ten commandments, it's hard for humans to obey their gods. But three are enough for us haniwa.
Whoa, you really are like robots!
Mayumi
But even so, loyalty isn't just about obedience. What does it mean to follow an order in the first place?
Mayumi
What even counts as "following" an order?
Mayumi
Such questions get especially tricky when the orders are vague or contradictory.
Mayumi
Like, "I think I want some tea... but I'm not sure." Or, "Make that room look nice."
Couldn't you just ask for more details?
Mayumi
You could. But that'll only get you so far.
Mayumi
And a good servant shouldn't pester their master. If they have to explain everything, they might as well do it themselves.
Yeah, I guess you're right.
Mayumi
When an order is beyond your skill set, you rely on experience. For example, I try to remember...
Mayumi
All the things Lady Keiki likes!
Wow!
Mayumi
You could call it pandering or even disingenuous...
Mayumi
But if you call it "making personalized recommendations," then suddenly, I sound pretty smart!
C-Can't argue with that!
Mayumi
I'm a haniwa―an empty idol without a soul.
Mayumi
So I might not "feel" in the same way living beings do.
Mayumi
But...
Mayumi
The memories and experiences I've shared with Lady Keiki, and the patterns I've discovered within them...
Mayumi
Have forged in me an undying loyalty to her.
(It sounds to me like she IS a living being...)
Mayumi
Sorry, I went off on a bit of a tangent.
Mayumi
People often tell me I have no free will and that I'm cold and emotionless, like a robot.
Mayumi
But they're wrong. It's what we do that defines us.
Mayumi
Thoughts and feelings are born from our actions. Even a haniwa like me can see that.
Mayumi
What I'm trying to say is that, while you have no memories, people like you because of the experiences you've shared.
Mayumi
You and I have shared experiences, haven't we?
We have!
...Right, I think I get it now!
You see yourself in me...
And that's why you're trying to cheer me up! Thanks!
Mayumi
Took you long enough to catch on. But I'm glad you finally did.
Mayumi
I wasn't born. I'm a one-of-a-kind haniwa crafted from water and earth.
Mayumi
I came from nothing. I inherited no genes, no consciousness.
Mayumi
Despite that, Lady Keiki raised me. I'm not defined by what's inside me, but by my bond with her.
Mayumi
I think maybe you know what that feels like.
...
(Hm, something still doesn't add up...)
(Everyone seemed to like me from the very beginning.)
(Maybe we already had shared experiences somehow...)
Mayumi
Sorry! I didn't mean to keep you this long.
Mayumi
You came here to see Lady Keiki. I'll take you to her now.
It's OK. I actually came to see you, too.
Mayumi
You did?
Mayumi
Is this... for me?
Yep. It's from the sages of Gensokyo.
Mayumi
Th-The sages?!
Mayumi
Wow!
Mayumi
It's weird, but I can see some of Lady Keiki's influence in it!
Mayumi
I just know once I put it on, I'll never want to take it off. Thank the sages for me, would you?
Sure thing!
Mayumi
Thank you, too, PLAYER.
Mayumi
On the day the Lost Word Incident arrives, no doubt Lady Keiki will fight against it.
Mayumi
And I'll follow her into battle―even if I end up smashing into a million pieces.
Mayumi
Soon, everyone will know that my loyalty is the second hardest thing in the world.
Costume Presentation
Mayumi
Gensokyo's human society is so strange. But I can understand it even if I can't explain it. Because I enjoyed being a part of it. I heard humans used to fight with their own bodies back when there were no haniwa. It must've been to protect this.
