A Thirst For Revenge [DP PVP]

[Celes Shindazu]

Thread Title: A Thirst for Revenge
Participants: Celes Shindazu, Sieglinde P. Krantz
World: Human World
Death Setting: Permanent Injuries Enabled
Rating: R
Location: Somewhere within Karakura or along its outskirts.
Special Conditions: Bounty Hunting. 'nough said.
Circumstances: After finding a ghost of her past in a Bingo Book, the Captain of the Tenth has decided to finally claim some revenge against Sternritter H, disguising it as taking part in some good ol' fashioned bounty hunting.

[Celes Shindazu]

The Bingo Book. A collection of the spiritual realms most dangerous individuals. Whether by virtue of being a well-known criminal, earning enough notoriety or simply pissing off the wrong people, a number of names and faces would find themselves in this little black booklet. Despite how callous it seemed, effectively bribing people into taking care of a thorn in their side, Celes could not deny how effective the practice was. Quite a few names and faces had been crossed out indicating that the bounty had been fulfilled, either through death... capture... or even just taking the target down a notch. Humiliating them, breaking their ankles. Stuff like that. The nature of the bounty simply depended on the client.

Celes didn't usually concern herself with the intricacies of bounty hunting. She merely looked through the Bingo Book to ascertain potential threats to Soul Society. As the Captain of the Tenth Division, defense was her primary duty. She didn't traditionally seek out threats, only aiming to repel them if they stepped foot into the spiritual realm of the Shinigami. The booklet, however, did contain useful information on the targets' capabilities and habits. It was later in the day, and she had finished up early as a stack of paperwork idly rested on her desk. Opening the bingo book, she had a look through it, briefly scanning its pages for new information.

Among its pages were quite a few names that Celes had either heard of or had personally come to know over the years. Names like Kaen Youi and Kyomei Kuchiki especially piqued her interest. They were fellow colleagues of Celes, one of whom Celes had even confided one of her most crippling secrets in, and so she was surprised to see their listings. Other names such as Edward and Astrid Vess had low ranking bounties for criminal activities or generally being a thorn in the side of Soul Society. So, she kept flipping, reading up on the individuals who had found themselves among its pages. After a few minutes of reading, she was about to set it down... that was until one entry caught her eye in particular.

"Helena P. Krantz, Sternritter H huh...?" She stared at the name for a moment. The surname Krantz sounded familiar. Her eyes shifted to look at the picture. She did not recognize the image that had been used for the woman. She continued reading through the general information muttering to herself. "Lets see... child prodigy... trained under a former Sternritter... a number of victories under her belt..." Shortly afterwards, as she continued, Celes froze. She thought her eyes deceived her, but it was written clear as day. Apparently, this woman had a victory over the Captain of the Tenth Division. She briefly muttered to herself once more. "Krantz... Krantz... Where have I heard that name before." She tapped her cheek thoughtfully. "Hmm. Helena P. Krantz? Could it be? Priscilla..." She rose from her desk, a look of anger plastered all over her face. This is a woman she had quite the vendetta against. She had met her some time ago after being promoted to Vice Captaincy. Not only had the Quincy defeated her, but she had forced her way into Celes' Inner World. She was positively burning up inside. Without a second thought, Celes readied herself. Sliding on her haori and grabbing her twin Zanpakutō, the Captain headed out for the World of the Living.

---

In the World of the Living, Celes had chosen to take a walk around town. Some midwestern American town where she had once tried to apprehend some Vandenreich incursions. They had tried to spread their influence. Unfortunately, just like a cockroach, they always found their way back into every corner of the world. Walking into a town, alone and with no gigai, while there was a Vandenreich presence seemed almost suicidal. Walking between two building, Celes took a deep breath and let her reiatsu bleed out. She purposefully flexed it. The Vandenreich wouldn't dare let a Shinigami walk around their town without a fight. Celes was counting on this.

Within a few minutes, she would be swarmed by two. No three Vandenreich officers. With bows fashioned of reishi in hand, they took aim at the Captain. Rounding the corner, a fourth Quincy came into view. Her hand was raised, and she was slightly more decorated than the other officers. A grin formed on Celes' face. This must've been one of their own Captains. It was as if Celes was before a firing squad and she was the one to give the order. She began to speak, clearly addressing the Shinigami they had "captured". "Well then. It seems the Shinigami have grown quite dense. Brazenly stepping foot into our territory." The Captain of the Tenth only chuckled. "If you're done gloating, I'd recommend you all pull that trigger now." They all looked at her with incredulity, especially the Quincy Captain. For one moment, they all broke out into laughter. "I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't heard it. Are you saying you want us to execute you?" The laughing continued, but Celes took a deep breath.

She'd move so quickly that her form would flicker in and out like an optical illusion. It would cause enough confusion to do what she needed to do. Using her impressive speed, she moved behind one Quincy. Infusing her hand with reiatsu she let out a sudden palm strike to his back. Not only would this protect her hand from cutback, but she had used enough strength to knock him off of his feet and into one of the other archers that initially surrounded her. Knocked around with formidable physical prowess, both of them would be sent into the brick of a neighboring building. Using her second step of Shukuchi-Ho, the Captain ended up behind the third archer. Using her elbow, she'd slam him into the ground with enough force to crack the earth. Using her natural speed, she easily ended up behind the Quincy Captain, kicking the back of her legs with nearly enough force to dislocate it before drawing her Zanpakutō and pressing the bladed edge against the Quincy's throat. The kick left her screaming in pain.

Celes' movements had been so precise, so fast that by the time she had pressed her blade against the Quincy Captain's throat, the afterimage of the Shukuchi-Ho had still been flickering before abruptly fading into nothingness. The Quincy Captain frantically tried to struggle, but Celes' own strength was so overwhelming that she could barely move her head. She was panting from the blow and the shock of what was about to happen. "What the hell do you want, Shinigami?" Celes chuckled, still pressing her bade gently against the Quincy's throat. "What do I want? Simple. An audience with someone. Helena Krantz. Sternritter H. I believe you know her?" 

The Quincy's eyes widened. Did she really hear Celes correctly? She spoke with the same Vandenreich smugness although... with a slight stammer. "W-why would she want t-to meet with you? You'd n-never get into the Empire." Celes hated to admit it, but she was right. A way into the Silbern had yet to be discovered. Thankfully, she had other plans. Shifting her blade gently, she drew a bit of blood from her neck as she winced in pain. "Oh, I know. You will be my messenger. All I want is for her to meet me in Karakura. A small coffee shop, Coffee Press. Swear this... and I'll let you and your underlings live. Deny me and well..." She briefly leaned in, speaking in a hushed tone. "I will rip you and them limb from limb." A bluff but considering the strength she had shown... it was very well possible. The Quincy Captain saw little cause in not serving their precious Emperor. They weren't willing to die a hopeless death. "O-okay." Celes smirked and gently pushed over, removing the blade from her throat and flicking it to the side. The blood that once stained it cleanly jumping from the blade. Sheathing it, she spoke with a bit of joy. "Perfect. You may tell her that a Captain Shindazu has summoned her. Now. Go take care of your men." Celes had taken special care not to kill them. After all, she simply sought to send a message, vanishing with a Shunpo.

---

A few days later, Celes would find herself walking along the streets of Karakura. Utilizing a gigai, she wore a lovely green sundress that she had once gotten years ago with Camila. Her long, greenish-blonde hair easily distinguished her among the crowd. Stepping into the coffee shop that she had included in the message, the Captain quickly took a seat. Almost immediately, one of the staff welcomed her, asking for her order. "Nothing yet. I'm still waiting for someone. Just a few minutes." Celes smiled, looking at the empty seat across from her. She hoped that the message had gotten clear across to Priscilla. Just as she had called out Celes during their initial meeting, so would Celes return the favor this time. Sure, there was a bounty to collect. However, the Captain believed that their encounter could be... civil, no matter how much she despised the Sternritter for their previous interaction. 

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Stats & Skills}Strength- 500 [1250]
Speed - 400 [1000]
Spiritual Pressure - 200 [150]
Reiatsu Strength - [400]
Light Aura- 50
Dark Aura - 50
Instinct - [300]
Senses - [150]
Energy Sensory - [50]
Healing Expertise - [0]

Total SP: [2000]

Pain Tolerance: 3
Martial Arts: Baguazang: 2
Martial Arts: Hakuda: 3
Battle Analysis: 2
Strength of Will: 3
Weapons: Broadsword & Shield: 3
Weapons: Katana: 3

[Sieglinde P. Krantz]

The last few days had been nothing but work for Helena. Twelve-hour days most of the time, with the occasional day of rest in between more days of work. In truth, she hadn't the luxury for free time at current, what with the onslaught soon to make itself present within the Human World. Uzaki Enterprises had overstepped their boundaries this time around, and she was going to give them no quarter. Given she was the one leading the charge when that day came around, she was the one expected to put in all of the legwork for planning.

Normally this wouldn't've been a problem for little ol' Helena, but when push truly came to shove, there were far too many variables she had to account for this time around; it wasn't some petty attack against Las Noches like she'd done years back. No, this was much different. This was a full-scale, coordinated assault. Something that didn't have room for failure, all things considered. Things needed to go well, and as such, avid planning was intensely required. Given the amount of time she was going to otherwise be investing into this plan of hers, outside distractions had to be ignored. Well, all outside distractions aside from one of them.

As the doors to her office came slamming open, the woman needn't even flinch. Slowly raising her gaze to the doorframe, Krantz made immediate note of whom had entered her office; one of her own Captains. More specifically, a Miss Leonie Pohl. Though, one thing had caught the woman's eyes; a bandage rested upon her neck. Just what is that about? She thought to herself, did she get hurt while training? As her thoughts began to move, it seemed the Captain was going to answer that question for her.

"M-My Stern Ritter!" she spoke, seemingly quite excitable. As she did, Helena raised a single hand up, as if to bring the girl to a pause. "At ease, Captain Pohl. I'm sure you're keenly familiar by the sign on the door to my office that I'm quite busy, though. Specifically, I believe I asked not to be disturbed." Exerting her own Spiritual Pressure over Pohl, Helena stared her down with frustration admixed with genuine interest. "Most Captain Supervisors don't have the gall to enter my office without warning like that; let alone a Captain. Forgive my curiosity, but what brings you here?"

Clearly beginning to panic, the woman simply began to explain her side of the story. She'd been performing her standard duties, when some Shinigami showed up and nearly wiped out the entire Squad in less than a second. Naturally provoking a level of interest from Helena she asked the girl to continue to explain further. "W-Well," she stuttered, "the woman that did it said she wanted too meet you at a coffee shop in Karakura Town; she said her name was Captain Shindazu, and-" "That's all I needed to hear," Helena interrupted, easing up on the gravitational force, "I appreciate your informing me on the situation."

Saluting her superior, Leonie stood to attention once more. "Not a problem, My Stern Ritter!" Standing up from her desk with a soft sigh, Helena made her way toward the door to her office. "You've done good work, Leonie; feel free to take the rest of the day for yourself. That injury to your throat doesn't look the greatest; why don't you go home and rest up?"

---

A week later, and Helena found herself arriving in the Human World without problem. She'd been to Karakura Town often enough; this wasn't a problem for her. Using her own abilities in order to make this little 'meeting' a bit safer for her arrival, Helena threw up two rather distinct illusions; one an identical copy of herself, albeit dressed in a far more revealing dress than she'd otherwise wear, and appearing as she did years ago; namely before she'd cut her hair, and went back to its natural color. Instead, the same tricolor style she had going on made itself present.

The other illusion however, was one much more insidious; she'd disguised her actual appearance to blend in with her surroundings seamlessly. Aside from those that had quite potent sensory capabilities, she'd be damned near untraceable. Given her previous encounter with Shindazu, Helena remembered the girl was known quite well for her physical prowess; not so much for her ability to read energy signatures. And oh, how she was going to exploit that fact. Regardless, she and her 'clone' were ready to enter Coffee Press.

As they did, and the little bell overtop the door entered, Helena allowed herself to overlap with her illusory clone for a moment as to not draw attention to herself. Looking around, and immediately spotting that familiar green-blonde hair, Helena smiled. Slowly walking over, her heels clack clack clacking against the floor of the establishment, Helena made her way to Celes. Separating from her overlap between herself and her clone, the currently-hidden Helena opted into sitting at a different table; one directly behind Celes. The clone, on the other hand, sat across from the girl.

"To think," Helena started as she sat down, "that you'd be the one inviting me for coffee this time around. I'm a little flattered, if I'm being honest~" Very evidently beginning with the same jovial, almost flirty tone she'd taken up back when they'd first met, Helena couldn't help but chuckle to herself. It was a guise she immediately dropped. "I don't believe it comes as a surprise that I hadn't expected to hear from you again anytime soon, Shindazu. Regardless, though; it's truthfully wonderful to hear from you again. Maybe you've finally come to your senses? Seen the light His Majesty can provide for you?"

Pausing for a moment, though in such a way that evidently didn't ask for a response, she continued. "No, I don't suppose that's the reason why you've called me here today. Perhaps its to share word on your promotion? Congratulations, by the way; I would've liked a heads-up a little sooner a couple of years, however." Gently tapping her nail against the table, causing a rather quiet tapping noise to resonate from the table, she watched Celes intently. Looking for any and every reaction she could've learned from the girl. Anything to read.

"That aside, though; I wasn't lying when I said it was nice to see you again. It's not every day that a non-combative reaction like this happens between folks like us. It's... an interesting change of pace, for as long as it's going to last; I'm a very busy woman, you know. So, I hope for your sake, that you didn't assault the Squad of one of my Captains simply to share a drink with me, Shindazu."

SPOILER: Click to show

{Priscilla's Stats & Skills}
Type: Spirited

Strength: 100 [100]
Speed: 400 [400]
Reiatsu Strength: 400 [800]
Spiritual Pressure: 400 [800]
Instinct: 300 [150]
Senses: 100 [50]
Energy Sensory: 0 [0]
Healing Expertise: 0 [0]

Light Aura: 50
Dark Aura: 50

----------

Stealth: 4
Battle Analysis: 3
War Strategy: 2
Acting: 4
Hunting: 2

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool & Bleeding Stacks}
Reiatsu Pool: 8,000/8,000
-400 Reiatsu from Patient Hunter activation.
-150 Reiatsu from x2 Patient Hunter illusions.
+600 Reiatsu from Quincy Regeneration.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Class 2 Heart - Patient Hunter - 400 Reiatsu}Patient Hunter looks to capitalize on a skilled Huntress’ ability to keep hidden from her prey, and to hide in plain sight. Activating Patient Hunter suppresses Priscilla’s, and her Animal Companions’ reiatsu signatures, preventing them from being detected by sensory techniques of an equal Class or lower, or with 200 points in Energy Sensory for every Rank in Stealth Priscilla has. Points in Anti-Stealth, Focused Eye, or Battle Focus reduce this ES requirement by 100 points per Rank in either Skill. Analysis and Battle Analysis reduce this ES requirement by 50 points per Rank in either Skill.

So long as a target does not meet any of these sensory requirements, Priscilla’s reiatsu signature cannot be tracked, preventing individuals from utilizing Energy Sensory on the girl or her Animal Companions at all, making this Property have an exceptional amount of uses outside of combat for infiltration purposes. When combined with the appropriate outfitting, Priscilla could easily pass as someone of a different race or faction, provided someone doesn't meet the above requirements to call her bluff.

While this Property is active, Priscilla is able to create temporary visual illusions within ten feet of her for 75 reiatsu, further aiding in her ability to not only throw individuals off of her trail, but also aid in out-of-combat subterfuge. Most visual illusions that she creates will absolutely not hold up to force, shattering like glass immediately when challenged if separate from her body. Being able to determine an illusion as fake requires a 3 in Analysis or 2 in Illusion Resist if not damaged, as much like Priscilla herself while in this Property these illusions give off no discernable reiatsu signature. If Evolving Wilds is active, this ten-foot range is expanded to the entire distance of her Soul Property, and the cost of creating an illusion more than ten feet away from her is tripled. Due to the nonexistent durability of these illusions, Priscilla can maintain up to seven at at any given time.

[Celes Shindazu]

It was finally time to meet her devil. Not long after taking her place at the table, a familiar figure would appear. As she entered the coffee shop, flaunting a promiscuous dress, Celes' eyes actually widened a little. It wasn't because of her outfit, no. The Captain didn't even pay that any mind. It was her appearance. Since meeting Priscilla, the girls' appearance had been burned into her mind. A temptress with Neapolitan hair. The woman that walked into the shop would very much be the same Quincy she met some time ago. Her hair was a little shorter and she had dyed her hair a single color, but it was definitely Priscilla. Why then... did the Bingo Book that the Captain carried on her person show her to be different?

For a moment, a brief moment, the Captain would find herself as a disadvantage. She was concerned albeit briefly. As she sifted through the memories of her encounter, Priscilla had displayed a single trick that left Celes more at ease. The Quincy could manipulate paper, shrouding herself in it and able to become a completely different person. In their prior encounter, Priscilla had used it to appear as Celes did. She even matched Celes', a Vice Captain at the time, natural agility. "I see. Either the Bingo Book is mistaken... or this is a persona." Celes had been partly correct, but for all the wrong reasons. However, it was nothing she'd have to concern herself with now. To her the woman sitting on the other side of the table was undoubtedly Priscilla. 

"To think," Already Celes shivered ever so slightly. Likely not enough for Priscilla to notice, but the chill definitely ran up her spine. "That you'd be the one inviting me for coffee this time around. I'm a little flattered, if I'm being honest~" It was that same sickly-sweet tone that had been burned into Celes' mind ever since Priscilla had infiltrated her mind. She had forced her way into her Inner World, her innermost sanctum. Despite the discomfort of the memory, she would do her best to keep a cool head. However, as the woman spoke, Celes felt something deep within the recesses of her soul. An anger and disgust for the woman before her. The contempt was palpable to the Captain. She could immediately tell from whom it arose. She had done her best to restrict the Hollow that resided within her soul. She was sure that if she wasn't mentally straining to hold him back... he'd leap upon Priscilla like a bat out of hell.

For now, though, Celes would continue restrain the blight upon her soul. The last thing she needed was to escalate the situation that she was willing to. For now, the Captain would merely lend her ear. "I don't believe it comes as a surprise that I hadn't expected to hear from you again anytime soon, Shindazu. Regardless, though; it's truthfully wonderful to hear from you again. Maybe you've finally come to your senses? Seen the light His Majesty can provide for you?" Celes simply tilted her head, chuckling as she leaned back into her seat. "Well... I can be full of surprises. It's what gives me my charm." She gently tapped her lip smiling. The Shinigami would do her best to remain courteous. Etiquette was, after all, another layer of being a warrior. 

"No, I don't suppose that's the reason why you've called me here today. Perhaps its to share word on your promotion? Congratulations, by the way; I would've liked a heads-up a little sooner a couple of years, however." Celes looked at the Quincy with surprise. Just as she tried to put her best foot forward, so would Priscilla honor her. "Hmm. Well, she certainly hasn't changed much. Astute as always with a penchant for recognizing the obvious. Though I wonder... is she still the same venomous snake waiting to pounce..." Suffice to say, Celes was not entirely comfortable with the situation. She was breaking bread with someone who she considered her greatest foe. Or... at least one of them. However, it was going well so far. 

The Shinigami cleared her throat. "Well. Not quite, however, thank you very much. It took a lot for me to get where I am today..." There was a melancholy to her voice. She was still a little sore from the knowledge of Camila's death. She wasn't sure if she would ever truly recover from it, but she couldn't let it weigh down her attitude. Then, suddenly, her tone changed. It wouldn't be as cheerful, but there was no contempt behind her voice. "However, you've also made quite a name for yourself. Priscilla... or perhaps I should call you Helena. Sternritter H. From the little I do know about the Vandenreich, it's a fairly prestigious title. You should be proud of what you've accomplished." She smiled briefly. A genuine smile. One of the tenants of the Tenth Division was to always show respect to a foe. Strong opponents were rare. They needed to be cherished. She believed this with every fiber of her being. In some ways, it was a little saddening. Despite all of her opinions on Priscilla... perhaps the two of them could've been better friends if the circumstances were different.

Alas, Celes was a Shinigami. A Captain of the Gotei 13. Priscilla was part of the Vandenreich. A Sternritter who served their holy Emperor. Almost as if on cue, it seemed that they would get to business as usual. "That aside, though; I wasn't lying when I said it was nice to see you again. It's not every day that a non-combative reaction like this happens between folks like us. It's... an interesting change of pace, for as long as it's going to last; I'm a very busy woman, you know. So, I hope for your sake, that you didn't assault the Squad of one of my Captains simply to share a drink with me, Shindazu." Despite sounding rather insidious, Celes raised her hand politely. "Before we continue, I think I prefer Celes. I was never one for ceremony." Her voice would be a little sterner, but not as if she was issuing a command. It was more akin to a little slap on the wrist.

She continued to lean back into her chair, ready to speak, but then the waitress came by again. "I see your companion was arrived. Could I get you anything?" Celes turned her attention to the woman and smiled warmly. "Yes, could I just have a Chai Latte please." She turned to Priscilla, speaking as if they were lifelong friends. "Helena. Would you like anything?" The Captain gave the Quincy a brief wink. Waiting to see if the Quincy had an order, she sighed for a moment. Despite her position as Captain, she wasn't entirely proud of having to assault some lower-ranking members of the Vandenreich to get here. She wasn't one to usually seek out fights. Her mind was on the protection of Soul Society. She would ward off threats to the best of her abilities but would never go out of her way to pick a fight unless it was critical for the protection of Soul Society.

Shortly after the waitress left, Celes would turn her attention back to Priscilla. "Well, let me be the first to admit that I take little pride in assaulting your Captain." There was genuine sorrow in her voice. "No matter our different opinions on the state of the world, I don't believe in eradicating the opposition." She paused for a moment before continuing. "Hence why I chose to only injure, not kill, the members of your Squad. My own Division is like family. If someone went out of their way to purposefully harm them or Soul King forbid... kill them? I'd be out for blood until my body gave out." In a way she would seem mildly hypocritical as it is exactly what she had done. "Unfortunately, you are a bit harder to track down directly then I'd like to admit. A credit to your skill, I suppose." A bit of flattery could go a long way as Celes continued with her explanation for their meeting.

"Now then. As to why I summoned you here?" From beneath her dress, Celes produced a black booklet. It would likely be instantly familiar to the Captain Supervisor. Flipping it open, Celes turned to face it towards the Quincy, showing her visage. The Captain paused for a moment. She'd set it onto the table. "As I said, you've made quite the name for yourself." She chuckled for a moment, her expression growing more serious. "Coming here, I told myself that this is the only reason. I am a Captain. You are a Sternritter. However, I now realize it runs much deeper than that.." Her voice grew a little more ominous and yet there would be a passion to her voice as she laid herself bare.

"I had to meet with you, Helena, because we have some unfinished business. You forced your way into my Inner World. Something that I cannot forgive easily. At the same time... you are one of few who knows my secret." Among all the info that the Spymaster of the Vandenreich had to possess on Celes, her possessing an Inner Hollow was perhaps the most crippling and most damning. Even if the information was from a Vandenreich, Celes understood that she'd likely be under investigation. It was too damning for the Gotei and by extension, Central 46 to ignore. "I'm glad you came. The reason I called you here? Catharsis. I would like it if you honored me with a fight. The bounty? That's secondary. Actually, I don't even really care about it. This is a matter of honor. Of pride." There was conviction in her voice. She truly meant it. This was an opportunity for her to work some shit out. In some ways, the sentiment of not wanting to slay Priscilla on the spot was traitorous. However, if nothing else, Celes had her pride. This was about personal honor, and it would be clear that it was very serious to her.

[Sieglinde P. Krantz]

"Well... I can be full of surprises. It's what gives me my charm." Helena couldn't help but chuckle from Celes' words. It seemed that she wasn't going to get directly to violent altercation. While not something she had a problem with, part of her still wished that a fight was going to break out at some point. She'd been itching for a good battle for quite some time; she hadn't had one since His Majesty gave her a Schrift, after all. A ceremony that she'd never, ever forget. Since then, with the unlocking of a plethora of new abilities and powers, she'd so desperately wanted to try them out in a combative scenario. She'd get her chance, though. She'd get her chance.

"Well. Not quite, however, thank you very much. It took a lot for me to get where I am today..." Celes' words and tone, while originally unasked for, had certainly prompted a raised eyebrow from Helena. "You sound... almost bitter," she started, "care to share on that one? Give yourself a bit of emotional relief, have someone to chat with about whatever it is that seems to be weighing so heavily on that soul of yours?" Helena wasn't a complete sociopath; she was still willing to help even a Shinigami if the situation called for it, despite not having the strongest connection with the woman. If nothing else, she'd at least make the gesture known.

If Celes didn't take it, that was on her. Helena wasn't going to press the point any further, taking her lack of desire to talk on the topic at face value. Realistically speaking? She didn't exactly have the luxury of pressing that matter, given time constraints. Something she'd get into later. Regardless though, the conversation went on either after Celes and her discussed what she had felt, or without another word on the matter. Though, despite that fact, it seemed that Celes had more to say on a similar topic; namely, Helena's own promotion, surprisingly enough. Even as she spoke, Helena's own eyes widened from sheer surprise on Celes' desire to comment on the matter. She never would've guessed.

"However, you've also made quite a name for yourself. Priscilla... or perhaps I should call you Helena. Sternritter H. From the little I do know about the Vandenreich, it's a fairly prestigious title. You should be proud of what you've accomplished." A soft, almost friendly smile rose to Helena's face. "Your kind words are appreciated, Celes," she spoke, "it's been... quite a ride thus far. You're correct in it being quite the title, however; I serve as one of twenty-five of His Majesty's chosen. Since the last cleansing of the lot, I remain as one of two active Stern Ritter. We hope for that to grow sometime soon, but we've run into... Problems, with one of our prospected Soldatinnen." She'd leave the topic at that.

"Before we continue, I think I prefer Celes. I was never one for ceremony." The Quincy simply nodded her head. "And I," she spoke, allowing the visible clone to come to a relaxed state, "much prefer Helena. I'm glad to show you the respect deserved, though." Smiling softly, Helena was by no means lying; after having been given her Schrift and new name by His Majesty, she'd worn that name with pride and honor. For Him to recognize her actions and devotion thus far, enough to award her with such a high title? She was going to flaunt that every chance she got.

As the waitress made her way around, and Celes ordered her own drink, Helena felt it was only right to do the same. "Just a cold brew, please," she spoke, "no creamer, twelve sugars. Thank you~" Finishing her words with a sing-song voice, Helena simply turned her attention back toward Celes. If nothing else she was quite invested in what the woman had to say. After all, she was taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with Celes; there was no doubt Celes had to have had a semblance of an idea of this. Given she still went through with an invite regardless? Helena found herself quite interested.

"Well, let me be the first to admit that I take little pride in assaulting your Captain. No matter our different opinions on the state of the world, I don't believe in eradicating the opposition. Hence why I chose to only injure, not kill, the members of your Squad. My own Division is like family. If someone went out of their way to purposefully harm them or Soul King forbid... kill them? I'd be out for blood until my body gave out. Unfortunately, you are a bit harder to track down directly then I'd like to admit. A credit to your skill, I suppose."

For a moment, Helena simply nodded. In truth, she knew exactly what that feeling was like. She'd viewed her own subordinates in the exact same way. Hell, it was the exact reason as to why she was going through with the assault on Uzaki Enterprises; she was going to get Aia back. Despite their minimal time of interaction, it was enough for Helena to get attached to her; make a friend, more or less. Something she'd only really found in Alexandre thus far, aside from Amalia herself. Though, Amalia didn't even count; she saw the prestigious Stern Ritter before her as more of a mother than anything else.

"I understand and appreciate your thoughts on the matter, Celes," she said, "you are by no means the only individual there. I too see my allies as family; everyone in His Majesty's empire, in fact. It would be because of them that I'm as far as I am now, and even then I'm still cheered for back home. I wouldn't dare disappoint those that look up to me like that, you know? At this point..." She paused, her tone of voice growing a bit more somber, "they're the closest thing I've to family at this point." Letting her words sink in, Helena simply awaited Celes' next speaking part.

"Now then. As to why I summoned you here?" These words returned the smile to Helena's face. While certainly dancing around the point for the last couple of minutes, she was glad to hear what Celes had to say. "As I said, you've made quite the name for yourself. Coming here, I told myself that this is the only reason. I am a Captain. You are a Sternritter. However, I now realize it runs much deeper than that.." These words prompted a raised eyebrow from Helena. Just what had she meant by that? Surely she was going to explain, so she needn't dive into the topic at hand. She'd simply let Celes speak.

"I had to meet with you, Helena, because we have some unfinished business. You forced your way into my Inner World. Something that I cannot forgive easily. At the same time... you are one of few who knows my secret." An insidious grin spread across Helena's face. That is so very true, she thought to herself, reminiscing on that day. While sure, she hadn't left unfazed, she'd learned quite a bit of damning information on the Captain of the Tenth. Information she'd since pondered what she was going to do with. Though, she'd continue to hear Celes out, rather than get lost in thought.

"I'm glad you came. The reason I called you here? Catharsis. I would like it if you honored me with a fight. The bounty? That's secondary. Actually, I don't even really care about it. This is a matter of honor. Of pride." Helena couldn't help but begin to chuckle up a storm. Oh, how the plot thickened. And Helena was absolutely here for it all. She wasn't going to let an opportunity like this slip if she could help it; if it was a fight that Celes wanted, it was a fight Celes was going to get. Eventually.

"If nothing else," Helena spoke, completely high on that little advantage she held over the woman, and not afraid to flaunt it, "I'm quite glad to hear that I've been living in that head of yours. And this time, without needing to force my way inside~" Chuckling once more, she continued. "And believe me, I know just how... powerful, that leverage I have is. I'd like to cash in that 'favor', if you don't mind my asking, but I'll be getting to that shortly. For now, your initial point." Sighing softly, Helena allowed her clone's chin to rest in their hand, watching Celes with intent.

"If it's honor you'd like to redeem, I'd be happy to oblige. Once we finish up here, we can get right to a skirmish, if you'd like; take care of that bounty, won't you~?" Another chuckle resonated from Helena. "Before that, though, I'd like to enjoy coffee with a friend. Contrarian, I know, but never once did I say I wasn't hypocritical at times." Softly smiling, she simply focused her attention toward Celes; trying to pick out any bit of information she could. She was looking to pick out any and every reaction she could from the girl.

"That aside, though, I do have a favor I'd like to capitalize on." Interlocking her fingers, and placing them gently against the table before her, Helena's expression once again turned serious. "As I'd mentioned before, we're currently having an issue with one of our Soldatinnen. A woman I've grown rather attached to has ended up in the hands of Uzaki Enterprises. More than anything else, this brings me nothing but heartbreak. I... I do very much miss having her around."

"Contrary to what one might expect, we're actually looking to take a non-violent approach to get my subordinate back. Surprising, I know, but this is something I don't want to resort to violence. That woman is like a daughter to me. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to her..." She trailed off for a moment, starting down at the table, doing very little to hide how much this situation pained her. After all, nothing she'd said was really a lie. At least, not at face-value.

"That said, however, I understand that you Shinigami hold somewhat close relations with Uzaki Enterprises. If nothing else, unofficially. Thus, where you come in. I'd like for Soul Society to stand down during our negotiations with Uzaki. The absolute last thing we need is another force looking to place chips on the table. Do this for me, and I'll be quite grateful." Another gracious pause, Helena simply let out a soft sigh.

Invoking Acting 4 to make that last story believable.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Reiatsu Pool & Bleeding Stacks}
Reiatsu Pool: 8,000/8,000

[Celes Shindazu]

As Celes described her feelings regarding her Division, she truly meant every word she said. In life, untimely deaths had effectively robbed her of a family. It utterly demoralized her. Death had granted her a second family. Soul Society, more specifically the Tenth Division, was now her home and she'd give everything to protect it. To protect anyone. Her sentiments about Priscilla's squadron were no lie either. She truly grieved over the quarrel between the Soul Society and the Vandenreich. There was no denying it. The Vandenreich were prejudiced zealots. Anything that did not fall under the Emperors' light needed to be cleansed. They proudly eradicated the souls of those their arrows struck. They saw their Emperor as a god and would never dare question them.

Despite these things, Celes pondered for a moment. Just as the Vandenreich had its faults, Soul Society had blood on its hands as well. The purging of Mod Souls, the eradication of the Quincy, even something like Rukongai cleansing, the prosecution of Vizards who would be prepared to give their life for Soul Society. All of this was done in order to uphold a singular system. The Soul Cycle. Everything that Soul Society did would inevitably lead back to this flawed system. It was a working one, but it demanded a certain cruelty and a twisted passion to fully uphold. Rukongai cleansing was chief among them. Celes, as the Captain of the Tenth, saw the citizens of the Rukongai as her ward. She owed them her protection. She was utterly distraught at the level of devastation that was wrought upon Soul Society due to the most recent invasion orchestrated by Hell. 

This topic meant a lot to her because the ways to achieve balance often seemed genocidal at times. Priscilla would share her own thoughts on the matter as well and the Captain would clearly listen. "I understand and appreciate your thoughts on the matter, Celes," She immediately raised an eyebrow in response. Swiftly clasping her hands together, she was intrigued if a little skeptical at first. "you are by no means the only individual there. I too see my allies as family; everyone in His Majesty's empire, in fact. It would be because of them that I'm as far as I am now, and even then I'm still cheered for back home. I wouldn't dare disappoint those that look up to me like that, you know? At this point..." The more she listened, the more her facial features softened. "they're the closest thing I've to family at this point."

Celes was shocked to say the least. She gave Helena a look of incredulity. Shortly after, the look became one of understanding. She completely understood where the Quincy was coming from. Her mindset on the matter was almost identical to Celes' own. Every note lined up perfectly with her own. "Wow. She... actually understands me. She also sees them as friends. Family." She gulped for a moment. This was the most human that Helena had ever felt to Celes. All this time, she saw her as some monster. Her own personal demon. But now? Celes wasn't so sure. The Quincy didn't seem to be lying either. "How strange... if life had treated us differently... if we had followed the same paths." She focused on one lingering question that pained her. "Could we have really been friends?" 

It was a painful realization to the Captain. The woman she despised all this time could've been a dear friend if events had transpired differently. After such a somber and heartfelt note, it was time to at least partially get down to business. She explained their personal little score to settle. Alas, there was another reason that was critical to her good standing with Soul Society. As the Captain brought up her little secret, she took note of something. For just a moment... Helena had an insidious smile on her face. In that brief time, Celes was reminded of just who she was dealing with. A Sternritter. A Quincy. A Vandenreich. She would have to tread carefully. After all, Soul Society had little official knowledge of the reasons for her excursion into the Human World today. Backup was not something that she could depend on. 

Regardless of all that, Celes felt that her point would come across fairly nicely. This was a matter of honor. After a minute of her speaking, she'd wait to hear what the Quincy thought of all of this. "If nothing else," Celes could see it coming a mile away. She was going to say something smug. "I'm quite glad to hear that I've been living in that head of yours. And this time, without needing to force my way inside~" The Captain closed her eyes for a moment. She had to admit, she was disappointed. It would show in the way she carried herself. "And believe me, I know just how... powerful, that leverage I have is. I'd like to cash in that 'favor', if you don't mind my asking, but I'll be getting to that shortly. For now, your initial point."

Despite all of her efforts to flaunt to the Captain, Celes would not be discouraged as she opened her eyes. She would not be intimidated by a mere threat like that. Though it seemed that for the first time since their shared concern for their people, she actually had something of worth to say. "If it's honor you'd like to redeem, I'd be happy to oblige. Once we finish up here, we can get right to a skirmish, if you'd like; take care of that bounty, won't you~?" Celes rolled her eyes for a moment as she mentioned the bounty. She had already made it clear that it mattered little, if at all, to her. At least the Quincy indicated that she'd be willing to fight her. 

"Before that, though, I'd like to enjoy coffee with a friend. Contrarian, I know, but never once did I say I wasn't hypocritical at times." Despite all the previous posturing and threats, Celes smirked for a moment. It'd become a gentle smile afterwards as she nodded. Almost as if on cue, the waitress from before returned. With a steady hand, she'd place the cold brew down before Helena. It would've been crafted exactly according to her specifications. Meanwhile, Celes received her Chai Latte. Steam lightly rose from the cup as the woman smiled briefly at the two women sitting at the table. "If you need anything else, please let me know." She'd bow politely before heading to one of the other tables.

Lifting the cup, Celes took a sip. The milk tea was quite refreshing and lifted her spirits. Humming contently, Celes looked back at Priscilla with a smile. "Part of being a warrior... means to have a certain mindset. To recognize that violence, just like any weapon, is a tool. There are times that call for it... and there are times when it is better to stay your hand." She gently lifted her Chai Latte and grinned. "Allow me to consider this a time to enjoy a drink with a rival." Once more, passion filled her voice. She truly believed every single word. "Just because there is bad blood between us... doesn't mean that we can't be civil with one another." She grinned. If nothing else, it would make it clear that Celes had respect for anyone. Even an opponent as significant as her.

Unfortunately, it was time for the conversation to take a bit of a turn. The business as usual if you will. "That aside, though, I do have a favor I'd like to capitalize on." Celes would listen and noted that the air around them grew more tense. For this topic they'd be talking as a Sternritter and a Captain of the Tenth once more. "As I'd mentioned before, we're currently having an issue with one of our Soldatinnen. A woman I've grown rather attached to has ended up in the hands of Uzaki Enterprises. More than anything else, this brings me nothing but heartbreak. I... I do very much miss having her around." This took them back to the earlier conversation. She could hear the pain in Helena's voice. It wasn't just an act. 

"Contrary to what one might expect, we're actually looking to take a non-violent approach to get my subordinate back. Surprising, I know, but this is something I don't want to resort to violence. That woman is like a daughter to me. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to her..." For a brief moment, Celes raised an eyebrow. The Vandenreich, allegedly, had no intentions of approaching the UE situation with any hostility. Once more... she was skeptical. She was sure, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that they could easily make this violent. To her understanding, the Vandenreich didn't have to save face. They were zealots, plain and simple. It didn't need to be justifiable to anyone, but themselves. Celes had a positively warm spirit. She had a sense about the deeper nature of malintent. For a lack of a better word, she was empathetic to violence. Helena was much harder to read. Either she was telling the truth... or she was desperately trying to hide it with incredible finesse. This did not leave Celes reassured. 

As for the favor. It only made her more worried about the intentions of the Vandenreich. "That said, however, I understand that you Shinigami hold somewhat close relations with Uzaki Enterprises. If nothing else, unofficially. Thus, where you come in. I'd like for Soul Society to stand down during our negotiations with Uzaki. The absolute last thing we need is another force looking to place chips on the table. Do this for me, and I'll be quite grateful." Celes' eyes widened. This was no small task. Ultimately, if any Captain, or even the Captain Commander, mobilized any forces then Celes would be in a difficult situation. Her authority did not go so far as to supersede another Captain. Especially not the old man. She had to approach this thoughtfully. 

She tapped her finger against the table briefly and sighed. "That's one hell of a request. Even of a Captain." Celes looked at the woman with a calm intensity. She wouldn't lay a threat down, but it'd be clear that she'd approach it with a little more seriously. After all, she wanted to show Helena that she was genuine. "The most I can do is dissuade the other Captains if we are called to discuss it. Unfortunately... if the old man makes the demand, then I will unfortunately not be so lucky." She paused for a moment. "I'm sure you can understand that, from one officer to another." Celes knew for a fact that if the Emperor gave an order, none of the Vandenreich would question it for even an instant. So devout was their loyalty. In the same vein, the Captain Commander was a staunch traditionalist. When he gave an order, it was expected to be carried out.

Celes had nowhere near the strength to contest the Captain Commander. Besides, it would require her to deal with the repercussions of a much higher level. "I would offer to make the request to let your subordinate go myself, but unfortunately, communications with Uzaki Enterprises have felt... slow as of late. I can't promise that even if I made the request that it would get to the appropriate levels. If that would be acceptable, I would see what I could accomplish on that front." From what Celes understood, interactions between the Shinigami and Uzaki Enterprises had become sparce. Her alternative offer was no lie though. She knew the Captain of the Eighth Division after all. They typically dealt with communications of all sorts. Perhaps she could work something out with Connor? After all, knowledge of a potential attack could prove to tip the scale towards a more favorable outcome. Soul Society had suffered an attack of its own. Fighting on one's own turf was bound to create trouble. 

The Captain tapped her fingers on the table for a moment. This whole favor was effectively blackmail. Or at least it had heavy implications of being such. Regardless, Celes would remain steadfast. She would not let herself be intimidated by such a threat. After all, Celes had the benefit of prior experiences. Even if her secret did come out, Camila had survived her defection. While she did end up dead, Celes knew the circumstances thanks to Albin. She had looked for trouble where she really had no business being. There was an implication by Kaen that Zeich had survived. Who could really know just how many Visored have survived prosecution by Soul Society. Worst case scenario, she had friends within Soul Society. Even outside, though they haven't met in some time, Celes had a connection with Shizuka. In hindsight... her secret did not seem quite so crippling after all. She'd still make a conscious effort to push for a non-hostile interaction. After all, she did deal with defense after all. Sometimes, it could be beneficial to diffuse a situation before it even had to begin. Would Helena agree with the sentiment though? That had yet to be seen. 

[Sieglinde P. Krantz]

"That's one hell of a request. Even of a Captain." Helena simply nodded her head. She knew damned well that it was indeed a rather large request. There was absolutely no hiding that fact; to ask a Captain of the Soul Society to stand down in a potential time of need was certainly something that she felt was going to press the woman into a potentially uncomfortable situation not only with her own organization, but with Uzaki Enterprises as well. In truth, it was something she was inevitably hoping for. It was that sort of advantageous position that Helena wanted to place herself into.

"The most I can do is dissuade the other Captains if we are called to discuss it. Unfortunately... if the old man makes the demand, then I will unfortunately not be so lucky. I'm sure you can understand that, from one officer to another. I would offer to make the request to let your subordinate go myself, but unfortunately, communications with Uzaki Enterprises have felt... slow as of late. I can't promise that even if I made the request that it would get to the appropriate levels. If that would be acceptable, I would see what I could accomplish on that front."

The Quincy let out a soft humming, not unlike that of a sigh but with a more 'singsong' tone to it. Feigning a soft sip of her beverage with the clone, she placed it back down and shook her head softly. "I assure you something like that won't be necessary, Celes," she spoke, "receiving direct... assistance, like that from a Shinigami - a Captain, nonetheless - would leave quite a bad name for me, should someone learn that this little meeting of ours took place, I could very well be shunned by His Majesty himself. Granted, I'm the one that would have to enable that information to get out, but I digress. It's not something I'd like to put effort into, you know~?"

Chuckling softly to herself, Helena continued to ponder the situation. There was absolutely no doubt that having Shinigami interference could've absolutely been disastrous if done how Celes was suggesting. The last thing she wanted was to potentially deal with the fallout of getting aid from this woman. Or, really any Shinigami for that matter. Even the thought of it alone repulsed her. Nonetheless, it was an idea. Perhaps some kind of diplomatic approach would've been better? She couldn't help but giggle aloud at the thought. Her? Take a diplomatic approach like that?

"Regardless of that fact," she continued after a rather long pause, "I'm appreciative of your gesture. Even despite the fact it might not be the best of ideas, it's the thought that counts." The clone gave Celes a genuine, serene smile. In truth, she was somewhat appreciative of the offer from Celes; it was rather interesting to see the girl so willing to aid a Vandenreich after their last encounter. Even if her request was laced with a bit of blackmail, it still felt rather interesting to see Celes so willing to jump to a potential result. She wanted to at the very least express that gratitude.

From there, Helena was willing to give Celes the moment to respond, if she felt so inclined. If their conversation began to find itself into a lull of sorts, then Helena wasn't afraid to get things kick-started. With a soft sigh, assuming Celes had nothing else to continue with, Helena's words would follow once more. "If nothing else, catching up has been a rather entertaining experience." Her words were filled with genuine praise; something she wasn't going to give out lightly. Standing up from her seat, the Clone gently patted down her uniform, straightening it out as necessary.

"If you don't mind, though, I'd like to stretch my legs a bit; get some blood pumping. I do believe you'd mentioned you'd like a bit of a fight~? If nothing else, I'd be delighted to do so."

[Celes Shindazu]

After pitching her alternative, the two women sat in silence for a moment. Celes waited eagerly to see what Helena thought of it. The Captain had to admit that she had her doubts. After all, Helena had just attempted to blackmail her into trying to dissuade Soul Society from getting involved in the situation. It left Celes less than optimistic. Without the involvement of other groups, Uzaki Enterprises would be forced to endure the full wrath of the Vandenreich. Tactically, it would provide the Quincy with a significant advantage. Unfortunately, Helena would do little to reassure the Captain. "I assure you something like that won't be necessary, Celes," Celes quietly clicked her tongue. It seems that Helena had a dissenting opinion. 

"Receiving direct... assistance, like that from a Shinigami - a Captain, nonetheless - would leave quite a bad name for me, should someone learn that this little meeting of ours took place, I could very well be shunned by His Majesty himself. Granted, I'm the one that would have to enable that information to get out, but I digress. It's not something I'd like to put effort into, you know~?" Celes took a sip of her Chai Latte as she listened quietly. It made sense. She wanted to keep all this under the table. At the end of the day, Helena was still a member of the Vandenreich and Celes would remain a Shinigami of Soul Society. There was just one thing that bothered her about all of this.

This member of theirs who had been taken by Uzaki Enterprises. She obviously meant a great deal to Helena. The Sternritter saw this woman like a daughter. Assuming that Helena had not changed much since their initial meeting, this connection made Celes even more suspicious. In that first encounter, Helena had no quarrel over spilling innocent blood. Mere bystanders. This situation was far different. It had purpose. Every day that this woman remained in captivity could lead Helena to grow more impatient. More desperate. From where she stood, the Vandenreich had a perfect opportunity to launch an assault on Uzaki Enterprises. What role would Celes play in all this? That was yet to be seen. 

The Captain set her tea down and sighed. It was a long shot, but she wanted to at least try to see if this situation could be diffused. "Regardless of that fact," The Shinigami's amber eyes came to meet Helena's as she listened. "I'm appreciative of your gesture. Even despite the fact it might not be the best of ideas, it's the thought that counts." The reaction from the Sternritter would be the last thing that Celes expected. Helana was actually smiling at her. Celes' cheeks took on a rosy tint. Despite her misgivings for this meeting, it was turning out to be rather pleasant. Celes gave her a positively radiant smile back, grinning wildly. "Well, should you ever change your mind, I'm sure you know how to find me." She giggled softly. This was a clear prod at the Quincy's position of Spymaster which was clearly noted in the Bingo Book.

Another wave of silence seemed to wash over them. She briefly tapped her cup again. Lifting it to her lips, the Captain took a few big gulps, washing down the warm beverage. She'd set it down again and sigh contently. The drink did much to lift her spirits. Helena would, once more, break the silence. "If nothing else, catching up has been a rather entertaining experience." The Shinigami tilted her head for a moment and nodded. "This was quite the pleasant experience, yes." She looked up and narrowed her eyes. "Almost makes you wonder if you and I could have ended up as lifelong friends had fate woven us together sooner." It was a genuine remark with little sarcasm behind it. 

Celes did not expect Priscilla to make a remark about her little comment. If she did, Celes would be content to listen. Either way, it seemed as though their little pleasantries would come to an end. Helena lifted herself from her seat and began patting off her uniform. "If you don't mind, though, I'd like to stretch my legs a bit; get some blood pumping. I do believe you'd mentioned you'd like a bit of a fight~? If nothing else, I'd be delighted to do so." Celes nodded and lifted herself from her seat as well. From a wallet, Celes pulled out some money and placed it on the table. It would be clear that it'd be enough to not only cover her drink, but also Helena's coffee. Given that the Quincy had remained civil all this time, Celes felt that it was the least that she could do. After all, she was about to walk into the fight of her life. 

Heading towards the door in little hurry, the woman would duck into a nearby alleyway. Whether Helena came along for this was of little consequence. Making sure that nobody except for perhaps Helena was present, Celes reached into a satchel that was slung over her shoulder. From the leather pouch, the Captain produced... a candy dispenser? Decorating the top of the dispenser was a small head that looked like a smirking cat. Pushing it down, a small orb rolled out into Celes' hand. Closing her eyes, the Captain took the pill and swallowed it. 

Just as she swallowed it, a body seemingly spawned from the Celes' gigai. Dressed in her Shihakusho, her white haori draped over shoulders and two Zanpakutō wrapped to her hip, she appeared much as one would expect of a Shinigami. The Shinigami's reiryoku was no longer being supressed by her gigai. Taking the moment to stretch, her gigai wouldn't fall. Instead, it would simply lean against the wall behind her. As Celes turned to face her, the Gikon which now inhabited the Shinigami's gigai spoke. "Well hello there, nyah~" She narrowed her eyes, looking Celes up and down before smirking. "I see that I've been summoned by a cute one. So what's the order of business today, nyah~" Celes sighed and shook her head dismissively. 

"Feel free to have a look around. Just don't get yourself into trouble." The faux soul simply nodded and grinned. "No worries. I'll take good care of you, nyah~" If Helena was present, the soul would smirk. "Seems that you'll be in good hands anyway, nyah~" There was a suggestive nature to it, leaving Celes flustered as her cheeks reddened. With that, the gigai walked off with a swing in her hips. Celes sighed and cleared her throat. She'd walk over to Helena and spoke a little firmly. "So, right here might not be the best place. After all, last time innocents came into the crossfire." It was clear that she was still extremely bitter about that. She'd make it clear immediately that she wasn't too keen of fighting Priscilla where they could cause unecessary death. After all, this was strictly between them. At least, so Celes thought.

[Sieglinde P. Krantz]

As the two made their way outside, Helena continued to stretch and move her arms about, evidently preparing for what was to come. Ultimately she couldn't really put her finger on it, but she found herself... excited, at the prospect of another fight with Celes. That much she hadn't even begun to bother hiding. She let it show in everything except for her words, starting with the rather evident, sly smile spread across her lips. Following her illusory copy in suit, Helena made sure to keep a close eye on just where Celes was headed.

Once the two were situated and outside, she watched Celes pop a pill of sorts. And, as if on queue, the girl had abandoned her Gigai. With a chuckle to herself, Helena listened to the rather distinct tone of voice; "Well hello there, nyah~" Well, then; this was certainly a bit of an interesting experience, wasn't it. "I see that I've been summoned by a cute one. So what's the order of business today, nyah~" Helena continued to snicker and almost laugh at the body's words, while Celes didn't seem to be getting the same amount of amusement from the situation.

"Feel free to have a look around. Just don't get yourself into trouble." "No worries. I'll take good care of you, nyah~ Seems that you'll be in good hands anyway, nyah~" Watching as Celes' own cheeks reddened, Helena's did the same, though unlike Celes she decided to comment toward the body. "I wouldn't quite say that," she spoke, maintaining the same suggestive tone, "I do tend to... play a little rough." Awaiting a reaction from the faux soul and Celes alike, Helena simply went back to stretching, a similar sly smile still plastered across her cheeks.

"So, right here might not be the best place. After all, last time innocents came into the crossfire." Sighing to herself, Helena nodded her head. In truth, she was right. There wasn't really a need to draw unnecessary attention if she could help it; not yet, at least. There would be a time and place for that, but neither were now. "I'd hate to admit it, but I do suppose you're right in that regard. Where might you suggest we take the fight, in that case? Any preferences, miss Shindazu~?"

[Celes Shindazu]

It was no secret that despite her position as a Captain or her decades of honing her skills as a Shinigami that Celes still retained much of her humanity. She wasn't a callous butcher who mindlessly cut down anyone who wasn't in favor with Soul Society. Even Camila, a traitor to the service they had sworn themselves to, left Celes with a weakened resolve when fighting her. Even now, Celes would not look to cut down Priscilla on sight. Sure, not striking down Priscilla where she stood was tantamount to treason. The Vandenreich was a sworn enemy of the Soul Society, driven zealots who sought nothing more than the complete annihilation of the Shinigami and their way of life. Celes certainly had no love for Priscilla, but to her this wasn't a fight between a Shinigami and a Quincy. No. This was a chance for Celes to redeem herself. She wouldn't muddy it by bringing politics into the equation.

Having prepared herself by ejecting herself from the gigai with a Gikon, Celes was certainly surprised with how the artificial soul acted. She had been told that this line of Gikon was rather mischievous, but nothing could prepare Celes for the interactions it would have with Priscilla. As it alluded to a sultry affair between the Quincy and the Shinigami, a sentiment that almost made Celes sick to her stomach, Priscilla briefly commented. "I wouldn't quite say that," Celes sighed with relief for a moment. "I do tend to... play a little rough." It took her a moment to promise just what Priscilla really meant by that. Her cheeks reddened even more as her eyes widened. "D- Damn it Priscilla..." She knew the Quincy to be a little flirtatious, but this still didn't stop her from being caught off guard by this. In response to this though, the Gikon only offered both Celes and Priscilla a small wink before departing.

Now with the two of them alone, Celes would be rather frank with the Quincy. She was not particularly fond of the collateral that resulted from this last skirmish. This mainly entailed the significant loss of life of the human bystanders who went about their day. Making her stance on the subject rather clear, she was surprised to see the Quincy nod. "I'd hate to admit it, but I do suppose you're right in that regard. Where might you suggest we take the fight, in that case? Any preferences, miss Shindazu~?" In truth, Celes was expecting far more pushback. Unlike her, the Quincy didn't seem to be bothered by the introduction of civilian casualties. It was a trait that Orobas had taken advantage of as the Akki had repeatedly launched Kido at nearby buildings in an attempt to force Celes' hand. It was a despicable and vile tactic that the Captain despised with every fiber of her being. Alas, no matter her reasons, Celes was pleased to see that Priscilla could be reasoned with after all. 

Ultimately though, Celes was left with a lingering question. Where could this little skirmish of theirs take place? She visibly mulled it over for a moment. Soon, however, the perfect idea popped into her head. Soul Society recently got involved in Karakura Town as hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of Hollows were inexplicably killed. Their souls had been utterly devastated and discarded from the Soul Cycle. According to reports, the Septima Espada had come to blows with Kimiko and had activated some attack. The Human World had been fed a story about a pipeline rupture by Soul Society. Even now, however, the crater that had been left was utterly deprived of any life. This could prove to be the perfect spot for their little battleground.

Without a second thought, Celes turned her back to the Quincy that she had been talking with this entire time. "I have a little place in mind. A quiet spot that shouldn't draw too much attention." Taking a few steps forward, Celes looked at Priscilla. "Follow me." With that, Celes began to run at a leisure 200 Speed to give the Quincy a chance to keep up. She could of course go much much faster, but she wasn't trying to leave Priscilla behind. If followed closely, their path would lead them through alleyways, past several key buildings and finally to the mouth of the forest that bordered Karakura after a few minutes of running. This would be the point where she slowed down into a brisk walk.

As the Shinigami walked, hopefully with Priscilla in tow, she would be taking in the calming ambience. The gentle breeze that rustled the leaves, the chittering of local wildlife and the soothing green would all help calm her breathing and ease her nerves. Despite her determination to fight Priscilla, she had to admit to herself that she was anxious. It had been so long since she had come to blows with the Quincy. Sure, her skills had improved, but it was highly likely that so did Priscilla's. Did she truly have what it took to deal with Priscilla? Could she truly regain her personal honor against this woman? The doubt was certainly there. Even despite that, Celes continued to push onward. She had to trust herself and her own abilities. After all, it was taking much of her willpower to keep the growing lust for battle contained.

While walking, Celes would remain largely silent. Unless Priscilla was actively asking questions then their journey would only be accompanied by the Zen of the forest. Soon, however, their journey would come to an end. Contrasting the beauty of the forest thus far, this sight would be far bleaker. Stretching nearly 2 miles into the distance, it almost seemed as though all life had been snuffed out. Vegetation refused to grow, and nearby animals dared not cross the threshold. Only the soil remained totally intact, but otherwise the 2-mile scar upon the land offered little comfort and respite. This made it the perfect battleground as this area would put the least amount of people at risk.

Taking a good few steps forward, Celes would create distance between herself and Priscilla. This was the moment of truth. This would be Celes' chance to cast off the baggage that plagued her. On this day, she would make sure that Priscilla no longer her power over her. As Celes turned to face the Quincy, there would be a calm intensity to her aura. Staring at her silently, Celes brought her hand down to her Zanpakutō. As her hand touched the hilt of the blade, almost prepared to release her Zanpakutō, the Captain felt a surge of energy. Only palpable to her, she could feel great malice emanating from the blade itself. The Hollow within had his own reservations with the Quincy and Celes could feel his desire to leap upon her like a bat out of hell. She couldn't allow it to happen. She couldn't lose herself to that darkness. She bit her lip and simply drew one of her twin blades. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "I won't let myself be consumed by you. Now or ever." Opening her eyes, she felt a new resolve wash over her as she held her Zanpakutō close. "Helena. I challenge you to a duel not as a Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, but as a warrior looking to reclaim her honor! Prepare yourself for I will hold nothing back!" She eased into a combative stance and kept her eye on the Quincy, ready to see her make a move and respond in kind.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Celes' Reiatsu Pool}
Total Reiatsu: 1500/1500