Remilia Quest

[Hanzo K.]

>"Alright then, I take it you know the way as well Wriggle? Because somebody is going to have to keep the youngling in check, and you didn't exactly prove to be a good enough foe earlier."
>Let's grab Rei by the collar, and drag her off with us if Wriggle can take the lead for now.
>Otherwise, we'll just give Rei another reminder tap.

[Oldmansour]

>"Alright then, I take it you know the way as well Wriggle? Because somebody is going to have to keep the youngling in check, and you didn't exactly prove to be a good enough foe earlier."
>Let's grab Rei by the collar, and drag her off with us if Wriggle can take the lead for now.
>Otherwise, we'll just give Rei another reminder tap.

'
>"Hey, my danmaku's as good as hers and better!" Wriggle protests. "She just caught me by surprise, is all. But yeah, I know the way." She points down the path lit by the two flying youkai. "Pretty much a straight line down that road, anyway."
>Grabbing the young vampire by the collar of her tunic, you drag her a bit aways from the parade of humans as Wriggle drifts to the left as she takes the lead. She flies a bit faster than Rei did, probably more experience at flying over open areas, as you maintain your grip on Rei, just to make sure she doesn't give you any undue problems. Apart from that initial lapse, however, she seems to have reigned in her instincts. Not totally, obviously, but she doesn't strain against your grip. She seems almost... contemplative.
>"It's weird...." she says quietly, almost as much to herself as you. "There's a part of me that knows... that only weeks ago, those were my fellow villagers. My friends, maybe even my parents are down there. Well, my father, at least. And yet.... For a second, I almost...."

[Hanzo K.]

>"That's what happens when you become a Vampire, youngling."
>Smirk. "But I suppose it isn't all that bad though, being a Vampire. For one, you don't perish as easily."
>Let's keep going until we reach the Temple!

[Oldmansour]

>"That's what happens when you become a Vampire, youngling."
>Smirk. "But I suppose it isn't all that bad though, being a Vampire. For one, you don't perish as easily."
>Let's keep going until we reach the Temple!

>Offering some sage advice to the fledgling Rei, you relax your grip a little bit on her as you fly. She seems to be in control of herself, at least, nearly completely. You remain alert for any signs of trouble, however. Prudence has its place.
>The lantern-bearing sailor looks your way as Wriggle leads you around the parade, but makes no motion towards you. Nor does the youkai at the rear of the processions as you fly past her, a rodent youkai of some sort, evidently, with a grey dress nearly the same shade as her hair, her head topped by a circular pair of ears. They seem content to let the three of you fly past.

>After about ten minutes or so, you find yourself floating in front the temple grounds themselves. In addition to the modest-looking but still sizable temple itself, a large ship sits to the east of it, propped up on large wooden blocks. Considering that, to your knowledge, there's no place to sail a ship that size within miles of here, its presence is quite a mystery. As are the pair of large silver metallic objects sitting to the port side of the thing. The banner reading "Nightbird LIVE!" nailed to the port side of the hull, however, would seem testament to Wriggle's theory about Mystia's concert.
>The grounds are not devoid of life entirely, despite the exodus of humans. A few stragglers are only now heading for the trail, and a tall woman with oddly multicolored hair, flanked by another tall youkai in a simple white gown with large white wings, are sweeping the cobblestone section of the grounds free of rubbish. A pair of blue-haired females are standing together near one of the metal objects.

>The time is now 9:40 PM.

>"Shame we missed the show." Wriggle comments to no one in particular.
>Rei's observation, however, is definitely directed at you. "It gets easier, though."

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "Yes, over time it gets easier to keep the impulses in check. I myself hardly even feel them anymore, as I can easily get what sustenance need from Sakuya's cooking. She adds blood when she cooks for Flan and myself you know."
>Let's head over to those two people then.

[Oldmansour]

>Let's head over to those two people then.

>Which two?

[Hanzo K.]

>The two women sweeping. The wingly one, and and the one with the hair.

[Oldmansour]

>Nod. "Yes, over time it gets easier to keep the impulses in check. I myself hardly even feel them anymore, as I can easily get what sustenance need from Sakuya's cooking. She adds blood when she cooks for Flan and myself you know."

>"Flan?"

>The two women sweeping. The wingly one, and and the one with the hair.

>Picking your target, you descend towards the courtyard where stand the two women with brooms. Wriggle slides back behind you, letting you have the lead, as is proper.
>The winged youkai is the first to notice your descent, and she turns her head to the taller woman, who has her back turned to you. "M'lady, we have more guests."
>"Oh?" The long-haired woman turns to face you. Her hair is very odd indeed. Her bangs are a shade of purple, but it changes to brown as it sweeps down over her head and down her back. She regards you for a moment, seems to recognize you, and then bows formally, followed by her winged comrade. "Good evening, traveler. Welcome to the Myoren Temple. All are welcome here."

[Hanzo K.]

>Return the bow. It's only polite. "The evening is always good for those like myself."
>"So, I was told a Maid had come by here seeking someone?"

>Glance over to Rei. "Flan is my younger sister."

[Oldmansour]

>Glance over to Rei. "Flan is my younger sister."

>"Ahh, that's her name." Rei replies in understanding.

>Return the bow. It's only polite. "The evening is always good for those like myself."
>"So, I was told a Maid had come by here seeking someone?"

>"Indeed she did." the tall woman replies. "May I assume that you are her employer?"

[GuyYouMetOnline]

>"That is correct."

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "I am Remilia Scarlet. Would you know where she departed for after coming here? She's been gone for five days now, and things are in quite a mess, no thanks to her extended absence."

[Oldmansour]

>"That is correct."

>Nod. "I am Remilia Scarlet. Would you know where she departed for after coming here? She's been gone for five days now, and things are in quite a mess, no thanks to her extended absence."

>"My name is Byakuren Hijiri." the woman introduces herself to you, before looking a touch concerned. "Five days? Oh dear. She visited our temple four days ago. I offered to help, as best as I can, with what she sought, but, I also advised her of the abilities of one Satori Komeji, a resident of Gensokyo's underworld. Her talents are unique, and, I believe, more in line with what you seek than my own."
>"My lady is far too modest." the winged youkai interjects, admiration for her mistress plain as day on her sculpted face. She has a long white tail, streaked with gold hair on either side, that swishes slightly as she praises Byakuren. "She has healed the hearts of many, human and youkai alike, including myself. She merely felt it was her duty to inform your servant of other options, as she helps any who visit our temple. Your servant chose to explore that option for herself, to see for herself what this Satori could do."

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "I see. So she is down there, as I suspected."
>"Well, we'll wait here for a while, the person who informed me agreed to ask after her in the Village, and a proper lady always does the polite thing. Which in this case, is to wait."

[Oldmansour]

>Nod. "I see. So she is down there, as I suspected."
>"Well, we'll wait here for a while, the person who informed me agreed to ask after her in the Village, and a proper lady always does the polite thing. Which in this case, is to wait."

>"Certainly." Byakuren smiles at you. "You're welcome to stay as long as you like." She gestures around the mostly tidy grounds. "I hope you don't mind us being a little unorganized. A young youkai just finished a lovely performance for us here."

[Hanzo K.]

>Smile somewhat. "At least it's a fair sight better than those fairies that are supposed to be repairing a damaged area of the mansion."
>Sigh. "Without Sakuya, they've grown overly willful, and quite disobedient. They've even dared to strike out at me, the mistress of the mansion."
>Smirk a bit. "I have to give some of them credit for durability though."
>Pause.
>"...Ah, someone among my little entourage had apparently visited around two weeks back. Poor dear ran afoul of some other vampire." Gesture towards Rei.
>Sigh irritatedly. "Honestly, whoever that vampire is has no idea of proper Vampire Ethics. Don't they know they're supposed to take those they turn, and keep them under lock and key for a month or two for them to grow accustomed to joining one of the strongest races of Youkai?"
>Smirk a little. "But I suppose I can't complain, because if it wasn't for her, I would have been without a lead."

[Oldmansour]

>Smile somewhat. "At least it's a fair sight better than those fairies that are supposed to be repairing a damaged area of the mansion."
>Sigh. "Without Sakuya, they've grown overly willful, and quite disobedient. They've even dared to strike out at me, the mistress of the mansion."
>Smirk a bit. "I have to give some of them credit for durability though."
>Pause.

>"Perhaps you should consider hiring a temporary replacement." Byakuren's winged janitor suggests.

>"...Ah, someone among my little entourage had apparently visited around two weeks back. Poor dear ran afoul of some other vampire." Gesture towards Rei.
>Sigh irritatedly. "Honestly, whoever that vampire is has no idea of proper Vampire Ethics. Don't they know they're supposed to take those they turn, and keep them under lock and key for a month or two for them to grow accustomed to joining one of the strongest races of Youkai?"
>Smirk a little. "But I suppose I can't complain, because if it wasn't for her, I would have been without a lead."

>Byakuren nods slowly. "Yes... I had noticed that, myself." She follows your gesture to Rei, who still hangs in the air slightly behind and to the right of you. She seems rather uncomfortable. "Good evening, Oumi-san." Byakuren continues, her smile still warm and genuine. "You seem to have found the adventure you were seeking."
>".. and more, besides." Rei replies after a moment.
>The winged youkai's face becomes somewhat stern as you outline the proper procedures for handling newborn vampires. Rather bluntly, she states, "Clarify."

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "Well for starters, young vampires tend to go wild at the scent of even their own blood. Which little Rei here was when I encountered her chasing after Wriggle here. Keeping new vampires under lock and key to grow accustomed to being as such averts messy incidents that could cause trouble."
>Sigh. "Being a vampire commands at least some measure of dignity and aristocratic behavior you know?"
>"But as I was saying, if it wasn't for Rei's information after besting her in the typical gensokyo method of a little danmaku, I wouldn't have any leads on where Sakuya went."

[Oldmansour]

>Nod. "Well for starters, young vampires tend to go wild at the scent of even their own blood. Which little Rei here was when I encountered her chasing after Wriggle here. Keeping new vampires under lock and key to grow accustomed to being as such averts messy incidents that could cause trouble."
>Sigh. "Being a vampire commands at least some measure of dignity and aristocratic behavior you know?"
>"But as I was saying, if it wasn't for Rei's information after besting her in the typical gensokyo method of a little danmaku, I wouldn't have any leads on where Sakuya went."

>Byakuren seems outwardly unfazed by your description of how best to handle newborn vampire, though you get the impression she does not approve entirely. But that's hardly unusual, all it means is that she's never dealt with one herself before now, whereas you're something of an expert on the matter.
>The winged one, however, grows even sterner. "If what you say is true, Remilia, then why, after acquiring said information, did you not place Rei under lock and key yourself?"

[GuyYouMetOnline]

>"I was speaking metaphorically. As long as she remains with me, I can ensure proper behavior."

[Hanzo K.]

>"And furthermore, she's rather useful right now. And she also seems to be getting used to it at a rather accelerated rate. I suspect she already had a power before becoming a Vampire, the power to adapt and learn at an accelerated rate."
>Smirk in a somewhat proud manner. "You know, she actually managed to copy my Servant Flier technique after seeing it a few times. Rather impressive, isn't it? A flawed copy, but one nonetheless."

[Oldmansour]

>"I was speaking metaphorically. As long as she remains with me, I can ensure proper behavior."

>The winged youkai does not seem entirely convinced by your assurance.

>"And furthermore, she's rather useful right now. And she also seems to be getting used to it at a rather accelerated rate. I suspect she already had a power before becoming a Vampire, the power to adapt and learn at an accelerated rate."
>Smirk in a somewhat proud manner. "You know, she actually managed to copy my Servant Flier technique after seeing it a few times. Rather impressive, isn't it? A flawed copy, but one nonetheless."

>"All the more reason to not let her roam free." the youkai insists. Stubborn little thing, isn't she.
>"I believe you can calm yourself, Minako." Byakuren says in that warm tone of hers. "Oumi-san means no harm." The youkai gapes, but Byakuren has turned back to face Rei, who seems a slight embarrassed that Byakuren has come to her defense. "Replicating the technique of another through mere observation, and limited observation, at that, is a talent worthy of praise, not concern. Especially when replicating the technique of someone like Remilia Scarlet. Is she right, Oumi-san? Is that your special power?"
>Rei fidgets under Byakuren's hazel eyes. "I.... don't know if you'd call it a 'power'... But, I've been a quick study for as long as I can remember. That's why a lot of my classmates disliked me."

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "It may well be her power. Though I've noted she also has an affinity for Ice and Cold. Perhaps you could discern if that ability to learn and adapt is indeed her power."
>"Come to think of it, when we fought, she used rather familiar techniques. I suspect she learned them from watching other Youkai, such as that Winter Youkai I heard about from Sakuya."

[Oldmansour]

>Nod. "It may well be her power. Though I've noted she also has an affinity for Ice and Cold. Perhaps you could discern if that ability to learn and adapt is indeed her power."

>"I believe I have a spell that should fulfill that purpose. However," Byakuren adds, "I've never used my magic in any way on a vampire before. It may take a little longer than normal for the divination to take effect. With your permission, Oumi-san, though, I'm willing to try."
>"Sure, yeah, go ahead. I mean, I don't THINK I had a 'power' like that before, but... And hey, I'm a vampire now, that means I'm a youkai. If I didn't have a power before, maybe I do now, I mean... A lot of youkai have their own unique powers."
>"We sure do, fangs." Wriggle remarks.
>If Rei minds the nickname, it doesn't show, as she continues to address Byakuren, "And... You can call me Rei. If you like."

>"Come to think of it, when we fought, she used rather familiar techniques. I suspect she learned them from watching other Youkai, such as that Winter Youkai I heard about from Sakuya."

>"Winter youkai?" Rei asks you. "I've never met a 'winter' youkai before, not one I could tell was a winter, anyway."

[Hanzo K.]

>"I'll have to have Sakuya explain to you after all this, she ran into her a long time ago, during the Missing Spring Incident. I do know that she's far more active during winter though."
>"And besides, even Humans have a power at times. Sakuya herself being a good example as such, being able to control how time flows. Slow, Stop, Accelerate, she can do that. It's part of why she's such a reliable maid. Chores get done in a flash thanks to it."

[Oldmansour]

>"I'll have to have Sakuya explain to you after all this, she ran into her a long time ago, during the Missing Spring Incident. I do know that she's far more active during winter though."
>"And besides, even Humans have a power at times. Sakuya herself being a good example as such, being able to control how time flows. Slow, Stop, Accelerate, she can do that. It's part of why she's such a reliable maid. Chores get done in a flash thanks to it."

>"And don't forget Reimu." Wriggle adds. "She's got more than just those giant orbs and bullets. I'm not sure exactly what she can do, but I know it's big."
>As she speaks, Byakuren produces a rainbow-colored scroll, and unfurls it. Instead of paper, however, it unfurls into a spread of light, with intricate runes of seven-colored light spreading out between the ends.
>Rei doesn't seem surprised at the sight, and speaks to you as Byakuren begins to recite a spell quietly. "I actually never met a lot of youkai outside of the village, and none of them were really... 'wintery'. Other than that trick with the ice bats, the rest of my danmaku's self-taught. Although, after I was turned, I found I could generate more bullets than before."

[Hanzo K.]

>"Hm, that's rather interesting. Because one of the patterns you used against me was not unlike one used by that winter youkai that Sakuya mentioned. The one with the mist."
>Let's watch patiently.

[Oldmansour]

>"Hm, that's rather interesting. Because one of the patterns you used against me was not unlike one used by that winter youkai that Sakuya mentioned. The one with the mist."
>Let's watch patiently.

>"Maybe she and I hit on the same idea?" Rei wonders. "I've actually been kinda proud of that one; came up with in on a foggy day."

>Settling in to watch Byakuren work her magic with Rei, Wriggle and the youkai called Minako have words with each other, Wriggle asking the other about the concert.
>"Peaceful, and enjoyable. Although, there was one odd thing. Kyouko mentioned that she would perform with her."
>"She didn't?"
>Minako seems a touch irritated at Wriggle's interjection, but simply fields her question. "No. In fact, we've not seen her for some hours. Shou doesn't think anything's the matter, but I still intend to fly around the vicinity, just to be safe."

>As you watch Byakuren chant, her scroll vacillating gently as her magic takes form, you feel a twinge of envy for the tall, beautiful woman. Your powers and talents are profound, but the kind of magical talent that Patchouli, and apparantly this woman, possess have eluded you for centuries.
>You shake it off. You've never been jealous of Patchouli for her talent before; she earned her power just as you earned yours. Why should you be envious? Although, the twinge isn't as easy to shake off as you'd expect. That's a bit odd.

>Even odder, at nearly the same time, Wriggle comments, "Y'know, I gotta admit, I'm a little jealous of Mysty up there. Wish I had a singing voice like hers."
>"Really?" Minako asks her. "I envy Shou. Her talents still far exceed my own, despite my best efforts."

[GuyYouMetOnline]

>"Did everyone just get jealous at the same time?"

[Oldmansour]

>"Did everyone just get jealous at the same time?"

>"I'm not-!" Minako starts to protest hotly, but stops herself, seeming unsure of herself. "But I did.... Why did I say that?"
>"I DID just say I was jealous of Mysty, didn't I?" Wriggle asks anyone around her. "I thought I just thought it."
>Rei seems just as puzzled as the other two youkai. "I didn't feel a thing."