Remilia Quest Tr?

[Hanzo K.]

>"Well, the way I understand things, it would be best to master this newly-discovered facet of my power sooner rather than later. After all, it's highly likely that it will be instrumental in returning you to your time. Given that is how you came here in the first place."
>How far are we from the theatre area?

(I've forgotten what that one place was called, sorry. I remember that it was in need of a bit of repairs, and would be good for opera and the like.)

[Oldmansour]

>How far are we from the theatre area?

>The most direct route is still under repairs, courtesy of Flandre's recent exuberance. It probably wouldn't do for Dio's first experience of your sister to be that, assuming she's here long enough to know of her at all. Not to mention Sei, you wouldn't want her to carry stories of your sister's destructive impulses back the Countess and her ilk. A more circuitous route would take.... 10 to 15 minutes walking pace, if you're not in a hurry to get there.

>"Well, the way I understand things, it would be best to master this newly-discovered facet of my power sooner rather than later. After all, it's highly likely that it will be instrumental in returning you to your time. Given that is how you came here in the first place."

>"Assuming of course this incident can be repeated." Dio remarks. "But how would you propose-"
>The hunter stops abrubtly. Her eyes widen and she stiffens, before falling forward and landing flat on her face, arms splayed out above her head. And Haridoku's stinger protruding from between her shoulder blades.
>Amitsu cries her sister's name in shock, but Haridoku herself merely stands there, her face stony, her left hand extended towards the downed hunter. "Now we're even." she says in a dark voice to the fallen hunter.

[Hanzo K.]

>Oh for the love of-
>Let's get a look at the stinger, and make an aura field flare up while we're at it. But be mindful of Amitsu's location of course.
>"There's one thing that I dislike quite a bit, and that is foul play. I had fully planned for you two to fight fairly, and with honor. We have the advantage because we can regenerate from our injuries much faster. Humans, as you know, do not."

[Branneg Xy]

(I've forgotten what that one place was called, sorry. I remember that it was in need of a bit of repairs, and would be good for opera and the like.)

You mean the stage of the theatre,Opera Theatre in this case, with the sorrounding rows of seats?

>The hunter stops abrubtly. Her eyes widen and she stiffens, before falling forward and landing flat on her face, arms splayed out above her head. And Haridoku's stinger protruding from between her shoulder blades.
>Amitsu cries her sister's name in shock, but Haridoku herself merely stands there, her face stony, her left hand extended towards the downed hunter. "Now we're even." she says in a dark voice to the fallen hunter.

Well all can I say is :"Dang it ,Haridoku!".Although a forced detour to the library , for a visit by Dr. Patchouli, might be interesting too.

>Keep the aura field flared up and address Haridoku."I understand you wanted to avenge the harm she inflicted upon your sister,but since both since Dio stood down and both of you have previously agreed on a spellcard duel, that was a totally uncalled for action.And,jugdjing from her reaction,your sister agrees with my view".
>Sigh."I hope at least you employed  a sedative poison that can easily be diluted".
>Address Sei but don't lose sight of Haridoku and Amitsu."Unfortunately,it seems our visit to the opera theatre will have to be delayed.Once I've confirmed that the time  for pullig such stunts is over,our primary concern will be  to get our new guest to the library, to my friend Patchouli,for a quick treatment and a subsequent explanation" .
>Given the events that have transpired in the last two days it would have been nice to leave some time to this reader person to relax,be it Koakuma or Patchouli.Sadly the situation calls for our scout bat to reveal itself to the person concerned as soon as possible.

[Oldmansour]

>Oh for the love of-
>Let's get a look at the stinger, and make an aura field flare up while we're at it. But be mindful of Amitsu's location of course.
>"There's one thing that I dislike quite a bit, and that is foul play. I had fully planned for you two to fight fairly, and with honor. We have the advantage because we can regenerate from our injuries much faster. Humans, as you know, do not."

>The large bug's wings buzz for a moment as you display your power. "Your plans aren't my problem. I made my own opportunity to settle the score she owed me. And don't get your wings in a knot, she'll be fine. I didn't hit her anywhere vital, and I think you know I could have."
>"You didn't need to hit-" Amitsu starts to protest, but Haridoku cuts her off.
>"You knew damn well I was going to do exactly that, Amitsu, so don't pretend you didn't."

>Keep the aura field flared up and address Haridoku."I understand you wanted to avenge the harm she inflicted upon your sister,but since both since Dio stood down and both of you have previously agreed on a spellcard duel, that was a totally uncalled for action.And,jugdjing from her reaction,your sister agrees with my view".
>Sigh."I hope at least you employed  a sedative poison that can easily be diluted".

>"You don't understand." Haridoku counters. "It wasn't that she hit Amitsu. She shot my sister in the back. As she was running away, trying to get away from the confusion, not being a threat to anyone. And that half-lifed human shot her in the back." She draws herself up to her full height. "And so did I."
>Sei also disapproves of the treacherous attack, and adds her voice to the matter. "It wasn't necessary to pay dishonor with dishonor."
>"Don't give me that 'two wrongs don't make a right' crap, I gave her what she gave my sister. This, and no less, is what happens when someone attacks Amitsu. And you let me do it." she adds, rounding on her sister. "You know me better than I know myself. You knew I had to give her what she gave you, and you knew I wouldn't hurt her badly." Amitsu, looking very conflicted, turns her face from her sister's stern gaze.

>"It's not a sedative." Haridoku corrects you as she steps forward towards the downed hunter. She stops, however, as she notes your aura. "I was just going to take the stinger out. Anyway, it's a paralytic compound I stuck her with. She's still awake, she just can't move. And she'll be fine." With a look down at Dio, she qualifies, "In a day or two."
>Sei takes the initiative and, bending down, removes the stinger from Dio's back and gives the immobilized hunter a once over. "Perhaps not even that long." Looking up at the rest you, she clarifies, "She's a vampire hunter. That means she probably has built up a resistance to poisons and toxins, at least partially. They often do. It would not surprise me at all if she was up and around in a matter of hours." The samurai fixes Haridoku with her gaze. "You know she'll want to settle this with you."
>Haridoku merely nods grimly. "I'll be waiting."

>Address Sei but don't lose sight of Haridoku and Amitsu."Unfortunately,it seems our visit to the opera theatre will have to be delayed.Once I've confirmed that the time  for pullig such stunts is over,our primary concern will be  to get our new guest to the library, to my friend Patchouli,for a quick treatment and a subsequent explanation" .
>Given the events that have transpired in the last two days it would have been nice to leave some time to this reader person to relax,be it Koakuma or Patchouli.Sadly the situation calls for our scout bat to reveal itself to the person concerned as soon as possible.

>"Of course, I understand." To Haridoku, she asks, "Will moving her make the poison worse?"
>The larger bug snorts. "Of course not."
>Sei nods, then asks you, "Shall I carry her to your library?"

>Your bat homes in on the sound, coming from a small table near a section of the library dealing with phantoms and ghosts. It is indeed Patchouli, reading from a green-covered book by candlelight, another two volumes sitting unopened to her right. Wearing her violet-rimmed glasses, as well.

[Hanzo K.]

>Nod. "Let's both handle that then. It wouldn't do for me to leave everything to you, seeing as this is my domain after all. I'm a very hands-on sort of girl when things necessitate it. And with Patchouli's knowhow at our disposal, we should be able to find an even quicker remedy methinks. Given how she too is also 'Sakuya', that would mean that she has the same allergies and such, which will make it that much easier. I suppose she also has the same tastes in food and drink by that token."
>And before we help Sei, let's take a quick moment to use the Scout-Bat as a mouthpiece to relay a message to Patchouli. 'Sorry to disturb, but we've got a bit of a situation. I'll be bringing some guests your way, one of which is a particularly peculiar case. Alternate timelines are strange like that.'
>Well, enough prattle, let's help Sei carry Dio to the library.

[Oldmansour]

>Nod. "Let's both handle that then. It wouldn't do for me to leave everything to you, seeing as this is my domain after all. I'm a very hands-on sort of girl when things necessitate it. And with Patchouli's knowhow at our disposal, we should be able to find an even quicker remedy methinks. Given how she too is also 'Sakuya', that would mean that she has the same allergies and such, which will make it that much easier. I suppose she also has the same tastes in food and drink by that token."

>"Possibly." the samurai says with a nod as she pulls Dio up off her face. "But a person's experience tends to color one's tastes in many ways. And Dio has clearly had a very different life than Sakuya-san."
>Sei maneuvers herself under Dio's right arm as you mirror her act on Dio's left side, worming your way beneath her left arm. The two of you straighten up, pulling the hunter up between you, the human practically dead weight between you. Not that this amount of weight would trouble a vampire such as yourself, though it does speak to the potency of Haridoku's venom, if it can take down a trained vampire hunter so completely with but one shot. You'd be impressed by that if you weren't so annoyed at the backstabbing bug for paralyzing someone whom you considered a guest of yours.

>And before we help Sei, let's take a quick moment to use the Scout-Bat as a mouthpiece to relay a message to Patchouli. 'Sorry to disturb, but we've got a bit of a situation. I'll be bringing some guests your way, one of which is a particularly peculiar case. Alternate timelines are strange like that.'
>Well, enough prattle, let's help Sei carry Dio to the library.

>It takes you a moment to attract Patchouli's attention, as it often does when she's engrossed in her reading, but when you deliver your message, through your bat, she merely removes her glasses and replies, "I'll deactivate the book traps, then."
>With that done, you and Sei set off, carrying Dio between you with as much dignity as you can afford the immobilized human. A wheezing groan escapes Dio's lips as you travel down the Grand Corridor, and she tries to lift her head once or twice, but doesn't manage much success at all. Haridoku assures you that this isn't abnormal, nor is it a sign of a problem. The toxin she used on Dio doesn't completely paralyze its victims, and she claims not to have used as high a dose as she could have. She didn't want to do any severe damage to Dio, just pay her back for hitting Amitsu in the back. On the one hand, you can relate to her attitude a little, but on the other hand, not only did she deliberately hit Dio in the back when Dio wasn't threatening anyone, but Dio is now your guest, and your pride as a host has been insulted.

>A thought does occur to you as you approach Patchy's realm. There is a vampire hunter immediately to your right. A trained, effective and dangerous one, and one whom you sensed a furious, terrible rage within. Less than half an hour ago, you would have said that her presence here would end only in conflict and blood. And yet, here you are, carrying her to Patch's library to find a way to fix her up, with the aid of a servant of another noble vampire, and a youkai at that. Even by the standards of Gensokyo, where the impossible happens every other day, this is up there on the impossible scale. Despite your irritation at Haridoku, you permit a light smirk to touch your lips. What must Dio be thinking, witnessing this situation? It's safe to say she's never experienced anything quite like this before.

>Upon coming into view of the doors to the library, strangely, you find Mystia standing outside, and she appears to be on the lookout. She gives you a wave as she spots you coming.

[Hanzo K.]

>Heck, let's chuckle a bit. "Gensokyo certainly is a strange and interesting place, isn't it? Those of the Keep aren't the only ones to find something new about the world of late it seems."
>Following that, let's raise our free hand in greeting to Mystia, and get over there.
>Once there; "You would not believe the day I've had. Perhaps you'll get your chance to find out soon. And by the way, this here is Sakuya in a sense, but also not. Timelines are a peculiar thing."

[Branneg Xy]

>"In fact your visit  is a bit of a intersting surprise in itself.So,what brings you in this section of my abode,Mystia?Here to see Wriggle or have you caught wind of a certain.."-smile-"..developing artistic initiative ?".
>After the reply."Anyhow ,you have currently found me when my hands are quite full,literally.You may follow us to the insides of the library,if you wish to share with us more details."

Well then,we can talk quite a bit with this Night Sparrow.By chance,although she might be not too keen on reading ,Mystia could be the vocals complement to the opera recital,after she debrief us a little about the location(s) of her trip .

[Oldmansour]

>Heck, let's chuckle a bit. "Gensokyo certainly is a strange and interesting place, isn't it? Those of the Keep aren't the only ones to find something new about the world of late it seems."
>Following that, let's raise our free hand in greeting to Mystia, and get over there.
>Once there; "You would not believe the day I've had. Perhaps you'll get your chance to find out soon. And by the way, this here is Sakuya in a sense, but also not. Timelines are a peculiar thing."

>"It's been quite a night." Sei agrees. "For a number of people."
>"Daylight by now." Haridoku muses.

>Mystia frowns as she looks at the hunter slumped between you and Sei. "What's wrong with her?"
>"Temporary paralysis." Haridoku says bluntly. "I think Remilia here thinks the mage can fix it."

>"In fact your visit  is a bit of a intersting surprise in itself.So,what brings you in this section of my abode,Mystia?Here to see Wriggle or have you caught wind of a certain.."-smile-"..developing artistic initiative ?".
>After the reply."Anyhow ,you have currently found me when my hands are quite full,literally.You may follow us to the insides of the library,if you wish to share with us more details."

>"Well, Patchouli-san told me that this library here had a lot of books about music and musicians, so I was having a look around. But about a minute ago, she asked me to pop outside and keep an eye out for you. She said you were coming this way, and that I should take you to her."
>"How big can this place be, if the mage thinks we need a guide?" Haridoku snorts.
>"Big!" Mystia assures her. "You could lost in there almost as easy as the bamboo forest."

[Hanzo K.]

>"For a first-timer, I can safely say that it's quite imposing. For a full-time resident of the mansion such as myself, it's merely a matter of tedium to make one's way around. I'll admit, it does get irritating at times. And yet, that's also part of the Library's charms. You know, she hardly ever stops adding to it. Either with books penned by her own hand, or books she's obtained through her own means. Locating her shouldn't be too much trouble, provided she didn't leave the area my scouting and messenger bat found her in."
>Let's get on into the library with the group, and work our way to Patchouli.

[Oldmansour]

>"For a first-timer, I can safely say that it's quite imposing. For a full-time resident of the mansion such as myself, it's merely a matter of tedium to make one's way around. I'll admit, it does get irritating at times. And yet, that's also part of the Library's charms. You know, she hardly ever stops adding to it. Either with books penned by her own hand, or books she's obtained through her own means. Locating her shouldn't be too much trouble, provided she didn't leave the area my scouting and messenger bat found her in."
>Let's get on into the library with the group, and work our way to Patchouli.

>"No, she's still there." Mystia assures you. "I think she thought that I could save you some travel time. And I don't mind." the night sparrow adds with a smile. "It sorta feels like I've got Mokou's job."
>"Fujiwara no Mokou?" Sei asks, sounding rather surprised.
>"You know her?"
>Sei interjects, "Perhaps we could discuss on the way?"
>Mystia looks slightly abashed. "Right, sorry. This way." The night sparrow opens the doors behind her and leads the way into Patchouli's domain.

>"I would not have thought to hear that name again." Sei says as you and your crew fly along the way. "Unless it is someone by the same name."
>"No, it's probably the same woman." Mystia tells her. "She is immortal, after all."
>"Immortal?" the samurai says, clearly surprised. "I had thought she was only human, despite her pyromantic skills."
>"Her... what?"
>"Apologies. I was referring to her powers over flame."
>"Ahh." Mystia says in understanding. "It is kinda strange, yeah. There's a lot of stories about her, what she is now, I mean, but she's immortal, I know that much. How do you know her?"
>"A friend of mine was traveling across Gensokyo not long after we arrived here, and got a bit lost in the same bamboo forest you mentioned earlier. Gensokyo wasn't quite the same place then as it is now, and she ended up getting in over her head with the feral youkai that dwelt there. Mokou-san got her out of her bind and then guided her out of the forest."
>Mystia nods. "The forest is still a bit dangerous, but you're right, it isn't as bad as it used to be. But Mokou still does that out there. Your friend isn't the first she's helped get out of there." As the night sparrow talks about Mokou, her eyes fall upon the still form of Dio, and she frowns again. "Are you sure that's not Sakuya-san? It looks like her."

[Hanzo K.]

>"It is, and isn't. You see, this is actually a 'Sakuya-That-Never-Was'. To be succinct, she is an incarnation of what Sakuya could have become in the past, but didn't in this timeline. You see, each time one makes a decision, they subtly influence their own fate. For example, recall when I had warned you and Wriggle of a potential fate, and you chose to remain here. That was a 'Branching Point'. This incarnation of Sakuya comes from a path that we never saw, due to residing on the branch where she became my most trusted chief maid. In her line, she chose to become that which my kind despises, a Vampire Hunter. There was also at least one other line I discovered, one wherre she became that which the hunters pursue, a Vampire."
>Look to Dio. "And personally, given how things have been lately, I'm rather more inclined to prefer the hunter's presence instead. Too cold and tyrannical-feeling even for my sensibilities. And I can lean towards that if it's needed, though I generally don't. Haven't needed to for quite some time."
>Chuckle slightly. "It must sound rather odd, a vampire saying that she'd prefer the company of the hunter version of a close friend of hers, as opposed to the vampire version> But I believe Sei knows just how bad things could have gotten, given her own knowledge of a similarly-dispositioned vampire.
>Ah yes, the 'Hourai Immortal', we know her rather well don't we? Given our involvement in the Endless Night Incident.
>"I suppose you could look at Dio here as a 'Fate-Twin', the same person, born from a slightly different fate."
>Nod proudly. "Yes, a fitting term for such an existence."

[Oldmansour]

>Ah yes, the 'Hourai Immortal', we know her rather well don't we? Given our involvement in the Endless Night Incident.

>Perhaps 'rather well' would be a bit of an overstatement, as you have only met her the once. But you do she is indeed a 'hourai immortal', one of only two beings you know of that became immortal through the drinking of the fabled hourai elixir. You've heard a number of the stories surrounding her as well. Judging from the power she displayed when you and Sakuya encountered her, you have no trouble imagining her handling herself with a feral youkai or two.

>"It is, and isn't. You see, this is actually a 'Sakuya-That-Never-Was'. To be succinct, she is an incarnation of what Sakuya could have become in the past, but didn't in this timeline. You see, each time one makes a decision, they subtly influence their own fate. For example, recall when I had warned you and Wriggle of a potential fate, and you chose to remain here. That was a 'Branching Point'. This incarnation of Sakuya comes from a path that we never saw, due to residing on the branch where she became my most trusted chief maid. In her line, she chose to become that which my kind despises, a Vampire Hunter. There was also at least one other line I discovered, one wherre she became that which the hunters pursue, a Vampire."
>Look to Dio. "And personally, given how things have been lately, I'm rather more inclined to prefer the hunter's presence instead. Too cold and tyrannical-feeling even for my sensibilities. And I can lean towards that if it's needed, though I generally don't. Haven't needed to for quite some time."

>Mystia isn't what you'd call a stupid youkai, but you are rather certain she hasn't run across anything quite like this before. Though your example with Wriggle brings a light of recognition to her eyes. "I think I understand. So this is Sakuya-san, just... not the Sakuya-san that works here?" She shakes her head. "That's sort of hard to wrap my head around."
>"We're hoping that Patchouli-san can help put things right again." Sei informs her. Then she gives Mystia a vaguely sympathetic look. "It is a strange situation indeed. I have lived many centuries, and I cannot recall an incident quite like this before."

>Chuckle slightly. "It must sound rather odd, a vampire saying that she'd prefer the company of the hunter version of a close friend of hers, as opposed to the vampire version> But I believe Sei knows just how bad things could have gotten, given her own knowledge of a similarly-dispositioned vampire.
>"I suppose you could look at Dio here as a 'Fate-Twin', the same person, born from a slightly different fate."
>Nod proudly. "Yes, a fitting term for such an existence."

>The samurai nods gravely. "A vampire hunter is the stuff of nightmares for children of the night, there is no doubt of that. But a truly blackhearted vampire is a nightmare for all who dwell upon the earth. I am not one to rush to conclusions, but had a vampiric Sakuya-san emerged into this place tonight, every one of us would be in considerable danger, as would the whole of Gensokyo, if we had failed to stop her."
>Mystia seems scared for just a moment, then shakes her head. "Reimu would have dealt with her." The other three youkai look at each other with looks of agreement. The impression the Hakurei mikos have made on the world is considerable.

>"So... how did this Sakuya-san get here?" Mystia asks.

[Hanzo K.]

>Chuckle with just a tinge of embarrassment. "Ah, that would be due to a little accident involving my..ah, 'unique talents'. So to speak. I was in the process of preventing both potential outcomes from reaching Sakuya's Present, but I was only able to fully stop the Vampire Outcome. So i was left with merely being able to put up a roadblock as it were. Of course, I should have known that it, -as I knew her at the time- being a Sakuya that could-have been, would have been capable of taking a third option. That is how 'Dio' ended up in our line by accident. Fallout from splitting Sakuya and Pride's fates apart you know. It was the only means I could separate the two, given how determined Sakuya had been to absorb Pride. I'd like to think that she's come to her senses now though, and won't try anything so mind-numbingly insane again in the future."
>Make an aside glance towards Sei with a slight grin. "And you tend to encounter some rather demented things in a vampire's way of life after all."
>The stories we could tell the 'kids' of gensokyo's youkai races, no? They'd probably end up with curly hair by the end of it all though, wouldn't they?

[Oldmansour]

>Chuckle with just a tinge of embarrassment. "Ah, that would be due to a little accident involving my..ah, 'unique talents'. So to speak. I was in the process of preventing both potential outcomes from reaching Sakuya's Present, but I was only able to fully stop the Vampire Outcome. So i was left with merely being able to put up a roadblock as it were. Of course, I should have known that it, -as I knew her at the time- being a Sakuya that could-have been, would have been capable of taking a third option. That is how 'Dio' ended up in our line by accident. Fallout from splitting Sakuya and Pride's fates apart you know. It was the only means I could separate the two, given how determined Sakuya had been to absorb Pride. I'd like to think that she's come to her senses now though, and won't try anything so mind-numbingly insane again in the future."
>Make an aside glance towards Sei with a slight grin. "And you tend to encounter some rather demented things in a vampire's way of life after all."
>The stories we could tell the 'kids' of gensokyo's youkai races, no? They'd probably end up with curly hair by the end of it all though, wouldn't they?

>"Hmm..." Mystia vocalizes. "I don't think I really get it, but, I guess it could have been a worse accident?" she ventures.
>"Worse indeed." Sei concurs. "The tale is somewhat long and involved, but Dio's presence in this timeline is rather benign a side effect of the events that transpired earlier tonight." Sei looks at you as she continues, "From what Celes told us, Meiling-san and Lust had created a bit of separation between Sakuya-san and Pride before you split the two of them apart. I could be wrong, but the factors that led to Dio being here could have been exacerbated if that effort had not gone as smoothly as it had. Which makes me all the more glad we decided to wait for you to arrive at the Keep."
>Haridoku looks between you and the samurai, and then at her sister. "Get the feeling there's a queen of a story here." Amitsu only nods. She hasn't actually spoken since you confronted Haridoku about stinging Dio.

>Your five centuries of life has led you to meet people from walks of life that some youngsters of Gensokyo can only dream of. It might make an interesting book, now that you think about it.

[Hanzo K.]

>"After this mess is resolved, I should write an autobiography of my time. Memoirs are for those nearing the end of their existence. Perhaps once Dio's mobility and health have been restored, I'll regale everyone not in the know about the events that took place."
>Let's continue onward!
>"That said, I can't say today hasn't been filled with excitement."

[Oldmansour]

>"After this mess is resolved, I should write an autobiography of my time. Memoirs are for those nearing the end of their existence. Perhaps once Dio's mobility and health have been restored, I'll regale everyone not in the know about the events that took place."
>Let's continue onward!
>"That said, I can't say today hasn't been filled with excitement."

>"Oh, you're not that old, are you, Remilia?" Mystia says nicely. How flattering.
>"Maybe you could throw a party at the red-white's place." Haridoku suggests with a grin. "That seems to be the fashion nowadays when these incidents are put to bed."

>Mystia proves a reliable guide, and in short order, your merry troupe arrives at the large round table at which Patchouli sits reading. She looks up at the sound of your approach, looking first at you, then at Dio, then Sei, then the two insect youkai, then gives you a barely perceptible smirk. "Practicing your dramatic entrances again, Remi?"

[Hanzo K.]

>Chuckle slightly. "You flatter me too much. Both you and Patche."
>Nod. "That said, this is..Well, she wanted to go by Dio. She is another Sakuya. Our...'guest', here shot her with a poisoned needle meant for paralysis. I was wondering if you could figure out a few things. For right now, let's work on helping her purge the toxins."

[Oldmansour]

>Chuckle slightly. "You flatter me too much. Both you and Patche."
>Nod. "That said, this is..Well, she wanted to go by Dio. She is another Sakuya. Our...'guest', here shot her with a poisoned needle meant for paralysis. I was wondering if you could figure out a few things. For right now, let's work on helping her purge the toxins."

>Patchouli removes her glasses. "Right to the point, I see." She is obviously less fazed than Mystia or the two bugs were about the situation. Not that you'd expect any less. "You realize, of course Remi, that I'm a scholar, not a doctor. Unless it was a magical poison of some kind?"

[Hanzo K.]

>"Well, the timing of all this leaves taking her to Eientei out of the question methinks, but we do have the source of the toxin with us. I'm certain that someone with your caliber of knowledge could devise something to at least hasten the departure of said toxins." Gesture towards Haridoku.
>"That, and I think you'll be interested in how she ended up here. Ah, and before I forget, introductions are in order."
>Look to the others. "This is Patchouli Knowledge, one of my closest friends, and the keeper of this vast library. She also experiments with various magics and such in her free time. Which she invariably has much of. She's also an accomplished magician, among other things. In fact, it's safe to say that if there's something I wouldn't trust to Sakuya, she is the one I would go to instead, that is how trusted she is."
>Then look back to Patchouli after the others who haven't already met her have introduced themselves. "You won't believe this Patche, but this woman, as you may have already gathered, is another Sakuya. Specifically, one of her possible futures that didn't happen in our timeline. She appeared from Sakuya's Past Fate as a result of the separation of her and the Sin Spirit Pride. There was another one that might have shown up, and I'm rather glad I stopped that one instead. That one was going to be a vampire version of her, and quite a nasty example even by my standards at that. You know how I sometimes get in a foul mood? Well, that likely would have been far worse, especially given my currently-weakened state due to the exertion of splitting Pride from Sakuya. Nothing some rest won't fix though."
>Chuckle a bit. "But worry not, Sakuya herself is quite alright, this one manifested a physical form separate from hers. Thankfully. But the main goal is to get 'Dio' back to full health, and figure out some way to return her to her timeline. And if anyone can figure it out, it would be you. Even my rather vast pool of experience pales in comparison to yours after all."
>Pause thoughtfully. "Hmm...We might have to get some input from those people at Eientei as well if it comes to it though."

[Oldmansour]

>"Well, the timing of all this leaves taking her to Eientei out of the question methinks, but we do have the source of the toxin with us. I'm certain that someone with your caliber of knowledge could devise something to at least hasten the departure of said toxins." Gesture towards Haridoku.
>"That, and I think you'll be interested in how she ended up here. Ah, and before I forget, introductions are in order."
>Look to the others. "This is Patchouli Knowledge, one of my closest friends, and the keeper of this vast library. She also experiments with various magics and such in her free time. Which she invariably has much of. She's also an accomplished magician, among other things. In fact, it's safe to say that if there's something I wouldn't trust to Sakuya, she is the one I would go to instead, that is how trusted she is."

>"I suppose I can try." Patchy replies, closing her book. "Creating an anti-venom should use a number of the same principals of an alchemic mixture." She pauses. "At least in theory."

>"We've met." Haridoku says bluntly.
>"Indeed." Patchy says with a nod. "As a matter of fact, Remilia, I took it upon myself to hire her as a temporary replacement for China while she was off earlier tonight." With a glance at Dio, she adds, "Seems like it wasn't a bad idea."
>"Damn straight." the big bug says with a confidant grin.

>"You, on the other hand, are new here." Patchy says to the samurai woman flanking you.
>Sei starts to bow, then pauses, as Dio would probably be inconvenienced by the gesture, then merely nods, as formally as she can manage. "I am pleased to meet you, Patchouli-san. My name is Sei Senoue, protector of the Cobalt Countess."
>"Would that, by any chance, be the other vampire Remilia mentioned earlier tonight?" Sei nods again, and Patchy looks mildly amused. "From the looks of it, I would guess that the Countess and the Devil came to an understanding of sorts?"
>"The tale is somewhat long, Patchouli-san, but rest assured, my mistress bears your friend the Scarlet Devil no ill, and wants nothing more than to be friends, and to find peace in Gensokyo. I would be honored to speak of the tale of what transpired tonight, but perhaps we should attend to the Scarlet Devil's guest, first."

>Then look back to Patchouli after the others who haven't already met her have introduced themselves. "You won't believe this Patche, but this woman, as you may have already gathered, is another Sakuya. Specifically, one of her possible futures that didn't happen in our timeline. She appeared from Sakuya's Past Fate as a result of the separation of her and the Sin Spirit Pride. There was another one that might have shown up, and I'm rather glad I stopped that one instead. That one was going to be a vampire version of her, and quite a nasty example even by my standards at that. You know how I sometimes get in a foul mood? Well, that likely would have been far worse, especially given my currently-weakened state due to the exertion of splitting Pride from Sakuya. Nothing some rest won't fix though."
>Chuckle a bit. "But worry not, Sakuya herself is quite alright, this one manifested a physical form separate from hers. Thankfully. But the main goal is to get 'Dio' back to full health, and figure out some way to return her to her timeline. And if anyone can figure it out, it would be you. Even my rather vast pool of experience pales in comparison to yours after all."
>Pause thoughtfully. "Hmm...We might have to get some input from those people at Eientei as well if it comes to it though."

>Patchouli blinks twice. "You're right. I don't believe it. I had not thought your power had that potential side effect."
>"Believe it." Haridoku grunts. "Crazy ass human just exploded outta the maid after Remilia here fixed her. Sort of fixed her." the big bug corrects herself. "She ain't from this world. Either that, or she's out of her tree crazy."
>"So far as we can tell, Dio's presence in this timeline is an accident." Sei says more politely than the big bug. "A consequence of not only Remilia-san's power, but also of the circumstances surrounding Sakuya and how she was restored to normal prior to Dio's arrival."
>Patchy folds her arms across her chest and peers at Dio again. "Fascinating." She then pulls herself back. "But I suppose the analysis of that can wait, if you want her back on her feet, Remilia. I'll need to brush up on my entomology, of course. Unless of course either of you happen to know of a counter agent?" she asks Haridoku and Amitsu.
>Both insects shake their heads. "I stuck the hunter here with a weakened version of mud dauber venom, if that's what you wanna know, though."
>Patchy visibly starts at the word 'hunter', and looks at Dio again. More specifically, the weapons she can see beneath her cape. "As in... vampire hunter?"
>"Nailed it."
>Patchouli frowns deeply. "And you want me to heal her?" she asks you, sounding very incredulous. "I realize you pride yourself on being a good host, Remi, but isn't a vampire hunter a bit dangerous to be walking hale and hearty around the Mansion?"

[Branneg Xy]

>"Patchy,I assure you this person before us means no harm to anyone in this household".
>"Yes,at first she was stubborn and aggressive,as I felt from her burning passion when she still was in the fate line,but after some scuffle,a good talking and,most importantly,my given Word of Blood she stood down,accepted my invitation as a guest and now is looking for a way to return to her own timeline".
>Sigh."I would have preferred to have been trusted by her on my own attitude and actions towards her since I have a reputation to uphold.Then again,from what I could gather,she comes from a much darker world than ours."
>"Personal remarks aside,the state you see this vampire hunter here,whose has named herself Dio, ended up into was not due to a forceful attempt of restrainment but merely an effect of a reckless action of a certain someone-glance hardly at Haridoku- who  was far too eager to wait for a proper spellcard duel to settle  scores".

[Oldmansour]

>"Patchy,I assure you this person before us means no harm to anyone in this household".
>"Yes,at first she was stubborn and aggressive,as I felt from her burning passion when she still was in the fate line,but after some scuffle,a good talking and,most importantly,my given Word of Blood she stood down,accepted my invitation as a guest and now is looking for a way to return to her own timeline".

>"You gave your...." Patchouli starts, then smiles softly, both surprised and pleased. "This Dio must have made quite an impression on you, indeed, for you to do that." She straightens, and her face turns confidant. "Good enough for me."

>Sigh."I would have preferred to have been trusted by her on my own attitude and actions towards her since I have a reputation to uphold.Then again,from what I could gather,she comes from a much darker world than ours."
>"Personal remarks aside,the state you see this vampire hunter here,whose has named herself Dio, ended up into was not due to a forceful attempt of restrainment but merely an effect of a reckless action of a certain someone-glance hardly at Haridoku- who  was far too eager to wait for a proper spellcard duel to settle  scores".

>"Reckless, my thorax." Haridoku countered. "I made my opportunity, and I took it. You shoot my sister in the back, I shoot you in the back. I'm a simple woman, Remilia, you get what you give. It's that simple."
>"There's a certain logic to that." Patchy says with a certain professional air, as she comes around the table to have a better look at Dio. "Of course, as I'm sure Remilia will have told you by now, that isn't generally how things are settled here in Gensokyo now."
>"Especially when it's human against youkai, I know, I know." the big bug replies with no shortage of sarcasm. "If the red-white wants to take it up with me later, that's her business. I settled mine."
>Patchouli takes a clinical look at the now-healed over sting Haridoku inflicted upon Dio, then nods absently. "You can set her down, now." Amitsu, rather proactively, pulls a chair out from the table.

[Branneg Xy]

>"A simple and practical logic it is,yes, but flawed by the fact that we will have to see if the other party judge it the same way when she comes to it ,given the prior established terms."
>" For comfort,let us not dwell on the complications  any further as we have a matter to attend here on hour hands."
>Offer a small smile to the honeybee youkai."My,what readiness.Thanks, Amitsu."
>Nod to Sei and place Dio on the chair in a possibly comfortable position for the check-up.
>In the case she can't be positioned upright,opt for her to be placed on the table.

[Oldmansour]

>"A simple and practical logic it is,yes, but flawed by the fact that we will have to see if the other party judge it the same way when she comes to it ,given the prior established terms."
>" For comfort,let us not dwell on the complications  any further as we have a matter to attend here on hour hands."
>Offer a small smile to the honeybee youkai."My,what readiness.Thanks, Amitsu."
>Nod to Sei and place Dio on the chair in a possibly comfortable position for the check-up.
>In the case she can't be positioned upright,opt for her to be placed on the table.

>Haridoku draws in a breath, seeming to inflate in the process, but after a quick glance at her sister, she merely says, "Fine."
>The smaller bug merely nods. "Just trying to be helpful." she says quietly. The first words she's spoken in a while, now that you think about it.

>"Koa's read her medical texts more recently than I have, but I think I should be able to come up with something." Patchouli assures you as you and Sei sit Dio down as comfortably as you can make her. The chair is large enough to allow her to remain in a seated position, though she does slump in the chair, for obvious reasons. Fortunately it is a comfy chair. Every chair in the library is comfy, per Patchy's orders. The mage herself walks behind you and, as you stand away from Dio, leans in and says, quietly, in the German language which you both speak, "What about Flandre? What if this hunter were to see her?"

[Hanzo K.]

>Reply in the like. "It won't be a problem, as I don't plan to let her roam that far. And Flan seems content to remain down there as long as she'll get to see Sakuya again soon. Which I plan to remedy as soon as Sakuya decides to stop being on edge and lurking about like one of those Ninjas. Besides, she might not seem it, but she's a fair deal more accepting towards the situation since I gave my blood word on this matter."
>Chuckle a bit, then return to responding in German. "You should have seen the look on her face when I proved to be well outside her common expectations through that act. I wouldn't be surprised if her mind actually shut down for a brief moment while trying to process it. Recovered rather swiftly though, as expected of someone who is, for all intents and purposes, also a version of Sakuya."
>Suppress the urge to make an expression of disgust, and resume responding normally. "But you should have seen the other Fate Bubble. Two words. Vampire. Sakuya. Not exactly a pleasant prospect is it? Glad I stopped that one from arriving at least. But now we've ended up with another mess, and a real puzzler at that."
>Since this whole mess involves time and dimensions, Sakuya would probably be able to help. And as irksome as it would be, we'd likely need Yukari's assistance as well wouldn't we?

[Branneg Xy]

>"Moreover,a meeting of the two Sakuyas, viewed as two sides of the same fate-coin, could very well be a useful learning experience  , conducted with the proper tact of course."

[Oldmansour]

>Reply in the like. "It won't be a problem, as I don't plan to let her roam that far. And Flan seems content to remain down there as long as she'll get to see Sakuya again soon. Which I plan to remedy as soon as Sakuya decides to stop being on edge and lurking about like one of those Ninjas. Besides, she might not seem it, but she's a fair deal more accepting towards the situation since I gave my blood word on this matter."

>Patchouli nods solemnly. She knows full well the gravity of the word of blood, especially when given to a hunter.

>Chuckle a bit, then return to responding in German. "You should have seen the look on her face when I proved to be well outside her common expectations through that act. I wouldn't be surprised if her mind actually shut down for a brief moment while trying to process it. Recovered rather swiftly though, as expected of someone who is, for all intents and purposes, also a version of Sakuya."

>"It is rather challenging to ruffle Sakuya's feathers." Patchy replies. "Any Sakuya."
>"What kinda jabber is that?" Haridoku demands.
>"Nothing that concerns you." Patchy says simply.

>Suppress the urge to make an expression of disgust, and resume responding normally. "But you should have seen the other Fate Bubble. Two words. Vampire. Sakuya. Not exactly a pleasant prospect is it? Glad I stopped that one from arriving at least. But now we've ended up with another mess, and a real puzzler at that."

>"You are certain that you settled that matter, yes?" Patchy asks. "The other Sakuya, I mean. Other other Sakuya." she corrects herself, drawing a giggle from Mystia and Amitsu.

>"Moreover,a meeting of the two Sakuyas, viewed as two sides of the same fate-coin, could very well be a useful learning experience  , conducted with the proper tact of course."

>"Provided it doesn't cause some sort of a temporal paradox." Patchouli says. "Although I suppose if that was a possibility, it would have happened already. One can never be too sure, though, temporal mechanics are a bit tricky sometimes." The mage straightens. "Of course, we can settle that after the first problem is dealt with." She turns her eyes to Haridoku. "Could you provide me a sample of the poison you used?"
>The big bug produces another stinger from her left wrist, but instead of launching it, she grabs it with her right hand and snaps it off with an ugly noise. "Watch the tip." she says, thrusting it sideways to Patchy.
>The mage accepts the stinger carefully, examining the point. "I would wager one of my books mentions a counter agent to this poison, but if not, I can synthesize one. It may take a bit longer."

>Since this whole mess involves time and dimensions, Sakuya would probably be able to help. And as irksome as it would be, we'd likely need Yukari's assistance as well wouldn't we?

>Vexing though she can be, this sort of thing does seem to be up Yukari's alley. You couldn't say for sure she's ever dealt with anything quite like this before, but with Yukari, one can never be too sure. You are sure, however, that if she wanted, she could probably at least offer some insight on the matter, even if she couldn't solve the problem on her own.
>The tricky thing with Yukari is, of course, summoning her. She isn't the easiest youkai in Gensokyo to track down, and tends to show up only in times of great trouble, or to annoy someone. Rumor has it she has eyes and ears all over Gensokyo, so if you called her, she may well hear you. Whether or not she'd come is another matter.

[Hanzo K.]

>"On the matter of the potential Vampire Version, I stopped that bubble in a way that was rather thorough. I don't think we'll have anything to fear from that one, as that fate likely became a 'Dead End' afterwards. To borrow a term from something I've heard is rather popular in the outside. Something about a book you can watch I think? Either way, that Sakuya's journey has likely ended. Unless, perhaps, that was merely an avatar of some kind. But regardless of that fact, I think it's best that there isn't a Vampire Sakuya of that sort. Too cold and dark for even my tastes. And you know how wildly I tend to oscillate between the various alignments. Even I have standards after all."
>Didn't Patchouli have some sort of means to contact Yukari from back during the Geyser Incident though?

>Look back to Haridoku. "I can assure you that it didn't involve you in any way, you would've heard your name if we were. Japanese names don't exactly translate easily into German. We'd be here for a bit longer than planned if I tried."
>Look back to Patchouli. "You know, I initially saw the Cobalt Countess as a possible foe, but now I think I might have found another possible associate. Or even friend. Eriza's her name you know, and she's quite unlike a vampire, despite being one. No taste for the 'ham', as it were. Favors the simpler things as well it seems. But then again, considering how her sire was, that's rather understandable. Sort of fellow I would likely take the time to ruin on both principle and whim."
>Smile enigmatically. "But I've yet to meet a girl who doesn't love sweets, all we need is for things to calm down enough so that Sakuya can produce some. After all, what sort of House Master -or friend- would I be if I didn't have pride in the abilities of those around me? A poor one, which I am most certainly not."
>Fistpalm. "By the way, do you remember where the texts on the Germanic Operas are? I had a brilliant idea, and one that will put that old theater room to use as well. it might need a little reconstruction to achieve proper acoustics though, but we'll cross that river when we come to it."