Ghosts of the Past [JT/Closed]

[Celes Castellanos]

It had been quite some time since Celes' incident at the lab in France. All hell had broken loose as some lunatic thought it would be a good idea to fuse insect DNA with the DNA of other creatures, mainly animals. It was a sickening process that to others may have seemed ambitious, but to Celes, it was absolutely repulsive. Especially due to the bear-insect hybrid that she had to fight alongside Camila. Despite her battle-hardened mindset, she still had some shivers run up her spine when she thought about it. Back when she was weak and could barely do anything about it. 

Hanging around her office in Squad 10, she just wanted to relax after waking up from a nap. It was unlike her to take a nap, but the memories of that mission had begun stirring in her like a monsoon. The only way to find respite was to try and slip into slumber. Yet it seemed that these bad memories would come to resurface soon. A Hell Butterfly made its way to a certain Vice Captain. This was of course Celes who did her best to focus on the Butterfly and what it was conveying. With a sudden jump, she hopped to her feet and blinked. "They want us to hunt what?!"

Getting her twin Zanpakutou ready, Celes was prepared to head out. With a quick set of movements, she would dash out out of her office. Ending up in the battle-scarred courtyard of her squad, she decided to slow down for a moment. After all, there was one tiny issue that needed to be addressed. The mission demanded Celes, but it also recommended another individual of equal or greater strength. Apparently Soul Society believed that this mission could become volatile given what happened in France. An entire research lab destroyed. Truly it was a sight to behold if it didn't strike fear into most. Naturally, Celes understood. Thankfully Soul Society had given her the creative freedom to decide her partner. 

Taking a seat on the steps, she began to mentally run though some options. Of course if it had asked for someone of lesser experience, she would have asked Kimiko almost immediately. After all, a true mission like this would be a grand opportunity to learn. Unfortunately, she was not ready for a mission of this caliber if someone of equal strength to Celes was needed. Perhaps Connor? She shook she head. While Connor was equal if not exceeding Celes it would be difficult to try and stir his attention. Numerous Captains were likely not available for a variety of reasons. In hindsight this made Celes wish that she had a mentor in the Soul Society. Someone to strive towards. 

As her thoughts returned back to the topic at hand, it became clear to Celes that she had very little relations with the other Vice Captains of the other Squads. Perhaps one day, building upon those relationships could be beneficial. For now, however, Celes knew who she could turn to. It may be difficult to convince her and she would need to do this off the record, but perhaps this would also allow Celes to burry the hatchet between herself and another ghost of her past. With a mighty sigh, Celes rose to her feet and would heading to the Senkaimon. She would not be headed to France, but to Karakura instead. Before that though she returned back into her office. 

After a few moments, Celes returned from her abode wearing a Gigai. If she was to encounter her partner for this mission, she needed to present herself in some manner that would keep her both under the radar and vulnerable. With that she continued on to Senkaimon. After clearing her passage to the Human World, the Vice Captain walked through only to arrive in the Human World a few moments later. Celes had an idea of where she could be. After all, there was an uprising in what most believed to be Hollow activity. This was normal for Karakura. The presence of Hollow reiatsu, but also the disappearances of countless Shinigami.

Celes knew of one individual who had a vendetta and was likely responsible for this. As she looked around, the sensation immediately hit her. A burst of Hollow reiatsu that permeated throughout the district. Celes bit her lip as she spoke softly. "Camila..I just hope that's you." The Vice Captain began to follow the breadcrumb trail of reiatsu. Even for someone of her weaker sensory capabilities, the trail was akin to a foul stench. Recognizable by just about anyone. As she walked through the areas towards her destination, she noticed the better quality of living that they enjoyed here. She smiled a little. Seems Camila had done rather well for herself. 

The Shinigami had made her way to a complex. In a rather beautiful part of Karakura, she admired the area. If she were in Camila's situation, she certainly would not mind living here. Though it was a little too calm for her liking. The passive side of her would definitely enjoy it. Perhaps even the warrior in her could find solace given the constant activities of Hollows within Karakura. Regardless, Celes entered the establishment and noticed even finer décor inside. Beautiful marble floors, decorated walls and a gentle atmosphere. In truth, Celes was amazed by the detail etched into every inch of this living space. Though it seemed rather expensive.

Soon she would be upon a countertop. Naturally having a gold-tinted bell, Celes chuckled once more and rung it. In a few moments, a rather attractive lady showed up. Dressed in work clothes, she smiled at Celes. With a gentle voice, she spoke. "Welcome to the Regal Karakura Apartments. Finest living spaces in Karakura. Are you residing here? Do you wish to purchase an apartment? Or are you here to visit someone?" Celes noticed that her questions were rapid fire, but she listened regardless. She could pick up on everything well enough. Celes just gave a nod as she would respond in a rather calming voice herself. She was the polite warrior with etiquette after all. 

"Yes. A Camila Adaronde. I'm a friend of hers. Do tell her that its Celes." The woman nodded and called up to Camila's room imparting the information. If Camila approved, the woman would direct her to the room and Celes would proceed to it. As she walked through the halls, she continued to admire the beautiful décor of this complex. It rivaled Soul Society in beauty in some ways. Celes was not entirely surprised as this area of Karakura was certainly known for rich housing. Regardless, if all went as planned, Celes would breath calmly as she was before Camila's door. With a knock she would then speak. "Camila. Please open up. Its me. Celes."

[Deleted]

The last few nights had been rough on the girl, to say the least. Having had to stay out later than she would've liked over the last few weeks, Camila was starting to grow exhausted. It's not that she wasn't fond of her job, it's just that even working overnight in a packaging warehouse was starting to take a toll on her sleep schedule, and she wasn't exactly taking that in stride. Living off of fast food and energy drinks wasn't exactly the healthiest habit for her, and unfortunately she was starting to suffer a bit physically because of her habits.

Forcing herself to get out of bed, Camila didn't even bother to take a look at the time before she slowly stumbled into the bathroom. Grabbing a towel, she started to get a hot shower running. She threw the towel she'd grabbed over the curtain bar, and went out into her living room to see what - or, more importantly who - was bothering her at... what, six in the morning? She really didn't want to deal with this shit this early. Not paying attention to whomever was now on their way up to her apartment, she decided to continue to get ready. Prepping her coffee for the morning, she turned on the brewer and made her way to the bathroom.

Heading back into the bathroom, Camila took the time to get into the shower. During the time though, she couldn't help but wonder; who was looking for her this early in the morning? She'd just paid off her rent for the month last week, so she knew she wasn't behind. The only other people she'd given her address to was her boss, but that was only out of legal necessity. Was he on his way to her place? She sighed at the thought. She didn't want to deal with him; not this early, anyway.

As she finished up and stepped outside of the shower, she grabbed her towel and began to dry off. After drying her body, she wrapped up her rather short hair and tapped her foot against the scale she kept in the bathroom in order to turn the damned thing on as she waited a few seconds. Once it was on, she stood on it, and waited for a number to show up. Once she saw the number, she let out an audible whine in frustration. Welp, there wasn't really any denying it; she'd gained a fair bit of weight from her habits.

Great. Just another thing she'd need to worry about. Hell, she didn't even know she could gain weight in a damned gigai. More importantly though, was that going to transfer over while she was outside of the Gigai? She'd hoped not. Either way, she'd need to work that off as soon as she could. She'd have to start planning to go for jogs every morning or something of the like. Either way, she'd figure it out later. She needed to figure out what she was going to wear for the day.

Heading into her room, she grabbed a bra & t-shirt and threw them on, noticing rather quickly that the shirt was ever so slightly tight on her. "Fucking hell," she swore, growing ever frustrated at this. She'd deal with it later. She needed to continue to find what she'd wear for the day. Though, putting on the rest of her underwear seemed to be able to do in time before hearing a knock on her door. Without being able to actually hear who was there, she shouted back, "be there in a second."

Taking a few short moments to hunt for a pair of jeans before realizing all of them were still in the wash, she let out her final groan of the last few minutes. She'd have to answer the door as was. Hopefully it wasn't someone that was going to judge her two heavily. Grabbing her mug of black coffee, she went to the front door in order to answer it. Opening it with her eyes closed initially, Camila decided to speak. "Please excuse my current wardrobe malfunction, I-" she almost dropped her mug when she'd seen who it was, with nothing but shock written all over her face.

[Celes Castellanos]

As Celes waited for Camila to hopefully open the door, she had five thousand thoughts or so racing through her mind. The last time the two of them met Celes had come in efforts to assassinate Camila. It was not a thought she relished, but she knew that it was her duty as a Soul Reaper and under command of the Captain Commander. In a way, she did not apologize for her fight with Camila. Nor truly for any attempt on her life. She was a renegade and this naturally caused friction between her and the honor-bound warrior. Then again, this was her friend. Raising her arms against one of if not her best friend. Now that stung. And it certainly clung on her conscious. 

When the door was beginning to open, Celes let out a calm breath. As she finished, she saw Camila in rather informal clothing. It didn't take Sherlock Holmes to realize that she may have rushed a little. Regardless, Celes couldn't help, but smile somewhat. She got to see her friend again after all. Though the reaction that she received was both amusing and expected for her. "Please excuse my current wardrobe malfunction, I-" Had Camila truly dropped her mug, Celes would have done her best to catch it. She could see the split-second twitch in her muscles. That was just experience, however. She chuckled a little bit before offering her own greeting.

"Well I suppose I should suspect that reaction. After all it's been a while since we've seen each other. Considering our last encounter was filled with vitriol I would not be surprised if you slammed the door shut on me." Celes waited a moment to see if her prediction was true. In the case that it was not which is what she was really hoping for, Celes would just smile. "Well, I suppose that answers that. Would I be intruding upon your personal space if I entered Camila?" This was her way of expressing a hope for an invitation. After all, much like the Samurai, Celes was courteous. Well-mannered, she would of course leave if Camila did not offer the invitation in. 

Assuming that she did, Celes would humbly enter her apartment. Assuming this was the case, Celes would smile wildly as she looked upon the apartment that Camila had presumably purchased. It was a beautiful place, if not a little on the expensive side. To some this could come off as entitled. Perhaps even demeaning to those that did not live her and only visited. Celes, however, was different. She just was happy to see Camila doing well for herself. Celes was not sure why, but as she turned to face Camila, she was half expecting a blade pointed at her throat. Again, she would not be surprised if this was the case. Her Zanpakutou were on her person after all.

Regardless of whether this was or was not the case, Celes would speak calmly. "I see that you have done quite well for yourself Camila. I am very pleased to see that. Though I will admit that I wonder how you could afford this place? Well paying job I hope?" In general, Celes would attempt to make conversation. After all, this was not just an opportunity to ask for Camila's companionship on this upcoming mission. She also wanted to try and patch things up. Relations with Camila had been rough around the edges ever since she left Soul Society. Using Bankai in their fight certainly did not help her case. The Shinigami would take a seat at a chair while smiling at Camila.

She wanted to try and ease any doubts about her own presence here. "I assure you that I am not here to make any attempt on your life again. In truth, I'm not even here to spar nor fight. But we will get to my being here soon." The Vice Captain could not help, but smile. The amount of time that she had spent not seeing Camila made this encounter a breath of fresh air. Without a blade at each others throats, perhaps they could settle differences like adults. Celes would continue speaking. "So! What's new with you? New place. Any encounters with the Soul Society lately? I hope nobody roughed you up too bad if they sent anyone." The Vice Captain would simply giggle, awaiting any response to her numerous remarks and questions.

[Deleted]

"Well I suppose I should suspect that reaction. After all it's been a while since we've seen each other. Considering our last encounter was filled with vitriol I would not be surprised if you slammed the door shut on me." She really couldn't believe her eyes. Celes was standing right in front of her, after what, more than a year since she last saw the girl? "You, uh, you don't fucking say," Camila managed to say, her face still absolutely coated in an expression that said 'what the fuck do I do in this situation'?

"Would I be intruding upon your personal space if I entered Camila?" Stepping out of the doorway so Celes could enter, Camila made her way back over to her sink in order to dump out her coffee. From there, she went ahead to brew a new pot, shaking her head to herself the entire time. "I'm brewing a fresh pot of coffee, do you want a cup at all? Is there anything I could get you otherwise?" She genuinely still couldn't believe what was happening. Part of her refused to believe any of this was happening, and it was just caffeine-induced hallucinations or something stupid like that. Could caffeine even cause visual hallucinations like that? She didn't know, and frankly didn't want to find out.

As she continued to brew a fresh pot of coffee, she grabbed another mug from one of the cabinets nearby (making that two if Celes did in-fact want a cup), and began to tap against the counter with a surprising amount of agency as she waited for the coffee to brew. Watching every drop fall into the pot was going to drive her absolutely wild, but she needed to focus her mind on something, else she felt she'd snap again, and she really wasn't looking to destroy another apartment over the same person as last time. Tapping her heel against the ground at  the same time, she impatiently waited for the last few droplets to fall into the pot before hastily pouring the coffee in the mugs she took out.

Making her way back to Celes, she listened to what the girl had to say while setting down the mug(s). "I see that you have done quite well for yourself Camila. I am very pleased to see that. Though I will admit that I wonder how you could afford this place? Well paying job I hope?" Camila couldn't help but let out an unhinged chuckle as she tried to gather her thoughts. "Tell me you're fuckin' kidding, right?" Gripping tightly at the back of her shirt in order to stretch it against her body, Camila did what she could to make it clear she was certainly a bit larger than she had been originally. "I put on fifty fucking pounds in the last year. I'm not exactly in the best of places if you couldn't tell." While she certainly had a bit of an aggressive tone in her words, Camila spoke with a smile on her face to try to ease the blow of coming off as hostile.

"As far as everything else goes, I've got a pretty nice amount of money coming in every month, if that's what you're asking. Otherwise, I'd like to think I've been a lot better. Anyway, though, I'll be right back; I need to go find a pair of pants. Feel free to make yourself at home." Hurrying off to her room, Camila began to scour through her wardrobe in search of something she could've worn. Evidently she didn't exactly search hard enough, as she pulled out her last remaining pair of black jeans and hurried to throw them on. Once they were, she made her way back out to Celes who'd she'd assumed had been patiently awaiting her return. "Sorry about that," she said, "you caught me at a bit of a bad time this morning."

"I assure you that I am not here to make any attempt on your life again. In truth, I'm not even here to spar nor fight. But we will get to my being here soon." With this, Camila raised an eyebrow. While sure, she didn't expect Celes to fight given that their last scuffle was provoked by herself, she was still a little confused as to why she was here. Just what was she after if that was the case? Her thoughts, however were immediately cut off as Celes spoke. "So! What's new with you? New place. Any encounters with the Soul Society lately? I hope nobody roughed you up too bad if they sent anyone." With that said, she couldn't help but sigh.

"Well," she started, "things have been a little interesting. You're absolutely right, I did since move out of that cramped building. Thankfully, I'm here now. I'm running two different jobs in order to pay for it, but I like it so I can't complain. I've been living... comfortably for a while, so I can't really complain. Regarding Soul Society, I've been relatively clean from 'em. Squad 13's chief asshole Ludwig came by about six months ago, but seeing as I'm still alive you can imagine how that had to have gone. Wasn't pretty for me, but hey, I'm alive so I can't complain. How about you, how've you been? And if you're not looking to fight, then what exactly is up?"

[Celes Castellanos]

"You, uh, you don't fucking say." For as much as Celes tried to smile, her expression took a bit of dip when she heard Camila's response to her initial comment. As she was let in and sat down, the Shinigami slowly breathed out calmly. Despite being a prideful warrior who faced death in the eye more times than she could count, she was easily disarmed by her friend. Her expression would be clear to Camila if she took the time to focus on it. Perhaps she could even take pride in it. Nevertheless, Celes focused on Camila as she had asked her question about the coffee. The Vice Captain took notice of Camila dump the coffee that she was preparing. 

"I'm brewing a fresh pot of coffee, do you want a cup at all? Is there anything I could get you otherwise?" The Vice Captain smiled as she began to ponder it. Coming to the answer rather quickly, she grinned. "Well I've to admit Camila. I am much more of a tea person. More calming on the nerves than coffee. Though I have no desire to force you to put in more work than needed. That being said, I will gladly take a cup. Just that will do." She sighed for a moment. As the two of them began to talk and delve into the depths of their lives for the past few months, Celes raised an eyebrow as her friend explained what seemed to be one of her more immediate plights.

"I put on fifty fucking pounds in the last year. I'm not exactly in the best of places if you couldn't tell." This admittedly caused a bit of a pout within the Vice Captain. She was disappointed to hear that Camila had her own grievances. It seems that this same disappointment would be met with a sense of levity as Camila continued. "As far as everything else goes, I've got a pretty nice amount of money coming in every month, if that's what you're asking. Otherwise, I'd like to think I've been a lot better. Anyway, though, I'll be right back; I need to go find a pair of pants. Feel free to make yourself at home." Celes smiled though she was bewildered. Even after everything, Camila was still willing to give her this freedom? 

As Camila stepped away temporarily to get herself in a more readied appearance, Celes began to think about all that has transpired. The last time the two of them met, Celes was there to end Camila's life. Even going as far as using her Bankai to attempt to claim the life of her best friend. It was not a moment she was proud of. No. Instead she felt great shame. Not only with herself, but the Gotei's decision to put her into this position. Was it a test of her loyalty? A test of her ability? Celes was not sure. It was all so unclear. For now, her eyes fell upon Camila once more as the Shinigami returned. Patiently, Celes listened to Camila who was now inquisitive as to Celes' true reason for being here.

"Things have been a little interesting. You're absolutely right, I did since move out of that cramped building. Thankfully, I'm here now. I'm running two different jobs in order to pay for it, but I like it so I can't complain. I've been living... comfortably for a while, so I can't really complain. Regarding Soul Society, I've been relatively clean from 'em. Squad 13's chief asshole Ludwig came by about six months ago, but seeing as I'm still alive you can imagine how that had to have gone. Wasn't pretty for me, but hey, I'm alive so I can't complain. How about you, how've you been? And if you're not looking to fight, then what exactly is up?"

She bit her lip as she would tackle this one bite at a time. First the easy question. "Well. First of all I am amazed to hear that you survived an encounter with Ludwig. His skill as one of the Gotei's finest is truly inspiring. I assume he was under orders of the Gotei just like I was during out last encounter. Regardless, I am...content to see that you are safe. As to how I've been...well.." Celes chuckled softly as she began to ponder on her most recent events. There was the meeting with Orobas. That Vandenreich Quincy. The torture of the monster inside of her. It was filled with so much negativity. Among all the bad, there was some good. Her adoption of Kimiko as a pupil for one. 

She breathed out calmly as she delved into recent events. "Well I suppose there has been one major development. I actually took on a pupil. A disciple of sorts. Her name is Kimiko. Quite a bright little one. Very much like myself. Not very gifted in Kido. Headstrong. Impulsive. Like I once was. Yet I also...see a lot of you in her." Celes smiled at Camila as she hoped to warm her up a little. "Eager. Creative. Thrill-seeking. All grand qualities that I once did and still see in you Camila. It's why I mark you as one of my closest friends. Even now." Celes sighed for a moment as she was beginning to become sentimental. It was unlike the warrior to do so openly. But this was important to her.

Now the harder of the two questions. "You are right. I'm not looking to fight. Instead I seek your aid. I have...received a mission from the Gotei. One that may require the need of an ally." The Shinigami sighed. "I know you and Gotei are on bad terms. That's a pretty way of saying it. I hope that despite that...you can find it in yourself to take up this Call to Arms with me. It may...help reduce trouble in the future as well. A good deed to your enemy can be beneficial. Though...I do not only seek your aid. That's not the sole reason. I wanted to patch things up. You are my friend Camila. I would be remiss if I denied my care for you. Besides, this mission is...noteworthy to both of us. The mission revolves around the Lab in France. The one where we first met." Celes rose to her feet and inched forward with a sigh. "You...may deny my plea with no dishonor to you. I just..ask you to think about it." 

[Deleted]

"Well I've to admit Camila. I am much more of a tea person. More calming on the nerves than coffee. Though I have no desire to force you to put in more work than needed. That being said, I will gladly take a cup. Just that will do." Welp, if Celes wanted tea then she had no problem making the girl tea. While she didn't have much, she probably had a bag or two of black tea she could find. "I've no problem making you a cup of tea," she said with a chuckle, "I'm sure I've got a bag here somewhere."

As she continued to speak and finished making both drinks, she placed them down gently on the table and went from there. She spoke her peace, and then dismissed herself to quickly finish up her morning routine. Rushing to her room, Camila began to think about what had been going on. She'd been in this exact same situation once before; Celes right outside, unbeknownst to what had been going through her mind, while she stood in her room with a clear idea as to where Celes was. Though, circumstances were much, much different.

In the past, after hearing those heartbreaking words from Celes, she'd been unsure how she'd be able to function. She'd quickly grown to believe very little really mattered from then on, and ended up in a state of depression after their scuffle had finished. Thinking back, she wasn't proud of how she'd ended up; she wasn't proud of the fact that she hadn't been able to take rejection like that like a normal fucking person. Hitting her fist against her dresser, she let out a shout of frustration in order to simply vent any excess grievances she had over the past. It helped, even if it was only by a minuscule amount.

As she continued to throw on her pants, she began to think about the present. Things were going to be different; she'd have to make sure of that. She wasn't about to sit around and wait for the world to do with her what it wanted; she'd take control of her own life. She was the only one in charge of herself, dammit, and she was going to make sure it stayed that way. Taking a deep breath, Camila began to make her way back out of her room, and sat down across from Celes.

As she spoke her piece, she let her friend speak. "Well. First of all I am amazed to hear that you survived an encounter with Ludwig. His skill as one of the Gotei's finest is truly inspiring." She couldn't help but scoff at the words spoken about Ludwig. If only she knew what he'd said to her during their little exchange. She'd be surprised if her opinions of the man didn't change if she had the opportunity to hear all that went down that day. Nonetheless, she let her friend continue.

"Well I suppose there has been one major development. I actually took on a pupil. A disciple of sorts. Her name is Kimiko. Quite a bright little one. Very much like myself. Not very gifted in Kido. Headstrong. Impulsive. Like I once was. Yet I also...see a lot of you in her. Eager. Creative. Thrill-seeking. All grand qualities that I once did and still see in you Camila. It's why I mark you as one of my closest friends. Even now." Cami allowed herself to smile; likely one of the most genuine ones she'd made in the last year. "Same here, Celes," she said, feeling the need to get out before she continued. It wasn't wrong; she'd certainly viewed Celes as one of her closest friends, even if they had both looked to end each other a year prior.

"You are right. I'm not looking to fight. Instead I seek your aid. I have...received a mission from the Gotei. One that may require the need of an ally." With this, Camila visibly frowned. She wasn't going to say anything quite yet, but it likely wasn't hard for anyone to pick up her particular sentiments about the idea of working for Soul Society again, considering all that she'd been through not only since her departure, but as well as the time she'd actively spent there.

"I know you and Gotei are on bad terms. That's a pretty way of saying it. I hope that despite that...you can find it in yourself to take up this Call to Arms with me. It may...help reduce trouble in the future as well. A good deed to your enemy can be beneficial. Though...I do not only seek your aid. That's not the sole reason. I wanted to patch things up. You are my friend Camila. I would be remiss if I denied my care for you. Besides, this mission is...noteworthy to both of us. The mission revolves around the Lab in France. The one where we first met." Watching the girl stand and sigh, Camila crossed her arms as she let Celes finish. "You...may deny my plea with no dishonor to you. I just...ask you to think about it."

Closing her eyes and furrowing her brow, Camila now finally felt this was the right time for her to speak. "So, you mean to tell me you think I'd be willing to put my neck out for the same group of people that want me dead? Gotei has done nothing but send whomever they could over the last year to try to put me down like a stray animal. Do you know just how much fucking Shinigami blood stains my blade? Too much, Celes."

Standing up and walking over to the counter, Camila placed her arms down and let out a sigh. She didn't bother turning back around in order to speak to Celes. "After all that I've been through, I don't think I could ever find it in my heart to help Soul Society for the remainder of my life. After having been through hell and back thanks to nothing but corrupt leadership and distaste from my peers, I'd sooner tear the place down brick by fucking brick." Taking the time to pause once more, Camila turned her head back to face Celes. If she paid close attention to her face, she might've been able to pick up on the fact that a single tear streamed down the girl's cheek while she smiled.

"That said though, you're fucking lucky I care about you more than my resentment toward those dogs."

[Celes Castellanos]

As Celes talked to Camila about the situation, the Shinigami noticed some queues that gave insight into her feelings. As she heard the scoff upon bringing up Ludwig and how the Vice Captain referred to him as a paradigm of the Gotei's finest, Celes understood immediately. Either her friend had lingering grievances over Ludwig back when she was a part of the Thirteenth Division or Celes was certainly not the only one to be sent to hunt down Camila. Either way, Celes was not about to shoot down her viewpoint on Ludwig. Instead she simply smiled intermittently before each segment. She was worried, however, that this would get more heated than it needed to. 

For now, everything seemed to be peaceful as they continued their conversation. Then Celes unveiled the elephant in the room. She had a job and she needed Camila's help. As she started and continued, Celes could feel the vitriol that Camila was feeling for the Soul Society. Was Celes surprised? No. Not in the slightest. In truth, Celes shared a certain annoyance for the Soul Society. Despite knowing all that they have been through together, the Captain Commander himself opted to choose her as the first of a few that would hunt down Camila. That would attempt to slaughter how. How cruel would one need to be to pit a friend against another?

Regardless of her feelings, Celes was loyal. Not just because of her personal honor, but now she had others she needed to look after. Kimiko as a great example. She was not prepared to abandon the fledgling. Perhaps it was just the similarities that Celes saw in her? Perhaps it was greatness? It didn't matter. Celes just felt that she owed the student her personal attention. As Celes wrestled with herself and her past with Camila, her thoughts were interrupted by her friend. With a calm expression she would simply listen. She was not going to pressure Camila any more than was necesarry. After all, this was not about honor in the Soul Society. This was so much more. 

"So, you mean to tell me you think I'd be willing to put my neck out for the same group of people that want me dead? Gotei has done nothing but send whomever they could over the last year to try to put me down like a stray animal. Do you know just how much fucking Shinigami blood stains my blade? Too much, Celes." Celes simply nodded to acknowledge that she heard Camila. That she understood her opposition to all of this. The rogue Shinigami seemed to continue. "After all that I've been through, I don't think I could ever find it in my heart to help Soul Society for the remainder of my life. After having been through hell and back thanks to nothing but corrupt leadership and distaste from my peers, I'd sooner tear the place down brick by fucking brick."

Celes sighed for a moment as she rose to her feet. Looking at Camila's direction, the Vice Captain was about to speak. She couldn't however. Not when she saw a tear streaking down Camila's cheek. Her heart immediately sank. She was hurt over all of this. Celes closed her eyes and let out another sigh as she listened once more. "That said though, you're fucking lucky I care about you more than my resentment toward those dogs." Celes moved towards Camila. There was no violent intent behind her movements. Instead the Shinigami felt only sorrow and empathy for her friend. For a moment if Camila allowed, Celes would embrace Camila closely. In a way, Celes was a maternal figure when it came to those she cared about. She gave Kimiko similar treatment yesterday.

As she held the embrace for a few moments, Celes pulled away and looked at Camila, rubbing the tear away. Her voice would be soothing. "Listen. Like I said, you are not obligated to. I did not become on behalf of the Soul Society, however. I could have chosen just about anyone of Vice Captaincy level to join me for this mission. I came to you because I wanted to make amends Camila. For all the adversity we've shown each other recently. I know you don't view the Soul Society as a home anymore. In truth, I don't blame you. Nor am I here to argue Soul Society politics with you. We both know how we will lean. I am just asking you to join me for this. If not for the Soul Society then for me." 

Celes raised herself as she looked up at the taller Shinigami. She would give her a rather warm and gentle smile. She then began to make her way to the door. She would give Camila the chance to make this choice. As her hand touched the door, Celes looked up and turned around. "I won't force you. Nor do you have to worry about me letting Soul Society know of your whereabouts. They don't even know that I've come here. They expected me to pick from one of my colleagues to accompany me. Yet I felt that you were great for this. Especially given that this revolves around where we first met. That lab. In France. You remember how we met right?" 

Assuming that Camila nodded and recalled how they met, Celes would simply smile once more as she chuckled. Turning her head towards the door and pulling it open, she did not look back. Instead, she would continue speaking. "I'll wait outside for twenty minutes. That should give you time to think it over. If you tag along, I shall await you. If you refuse, I will not hold ill will. Oh and if you ever changed your mind about us, the Soul Society and they allowed you to return, I would be the first to welcome you back home. In my eyes, you will always be one of us." The Shinigami was being sincere. It could have been interpreted as her playing on Camila's heartstrings, but this was important to her. As she closed the door, she made her way outside and proceeded to wait the twenty minutes she had given to Camila to make her choice. 

[Deleted]

The Rogue had been taken back the moment he was embraced by Celes. She hadn't expected something like that to happen. She hadn't expected this level of... affection, from the girl. She'd acknowledged Celes' feelings toward her in the past, and while the current situation didn't help it wasn't exactly a point of pain for Camila, but she'd always seen Celes as someone who was cold and stoic in nature. She was left with even more of a feeling of bewilderment as Celes spoke, unable to find herself to do much of anything but stand there and take the hug for what it was worth. She hadn't even put her arms up in return; instead, she stood there dumbfounded.

"Listen. Like I said, you are not obligated to. I did not become on behalf of the Soul Society, however. I could have chosen just about anyone of Vice Captaincy level to join me for this mission. I came to you because I wanted to make amends Camila. For all the adversity we've shown each other recently. I know you don't view the Soul Society as a home anymore. In truth, I don't blame you. Nor am I here to argue Soul Society politics with you. We both know how we will lean. I am just asking you to join me for this. If not for the Soul Society then for me." Almost immediately after she'd finished speaking, Camila threw herself back into Celes' arms, with nothing but waterworks. She felt awful crying on the girl's shoulder, but needed to let out the raw emotion she'd been bottling up from everything she'd experienced thus far. Keeping it to herself was starting to get to her, and ultimately began to affect her judgement on most everything. She needed this.

After a moment or two, Camila pulled herself off of the poor girl that was likely suffering through all of this. She didn't dare say anything. Having been overwhelmed with embarrassment from what had just happened, Camila simply held tightly onto her forearm and kept her head low with a sniffle. She couldn't meet Celes' eyes. Not after a display like that; it was unbecoming, to say the least. She took a deep breath, as she noticed Celes beginning to walk away. She listened carefully to what the Shinigami had to say. "I won't force you. Nor do you have to worry about me letting Soul Society know of your whereabouts. They don't even know that I've come here. They expected me to pick from one of my colleagues to accompany me. Yet I felt that you were great for this. Especially given that this revolves around where we first met. That lab. In France. You remember how we met right?"

Camila simply giggled through the congestion she'd now been forced to deal with. "Like it was yesterday," she said with a melancholic smile, "It's because of you that I'm not stuck in there anymore. I can't begin to describe how thankful I am for you saving my life back then, Celes. I'm sorry I've treated you the way I have over the last two years. I, uh... I took you for granted. I promise from here on out, though, that's not going to happen again." She sighed. She mulled over letting out her inner thoughts regarding everything, and deemed that sometime shortly was probably the best option. Better to get that out of the way now, that way it wasn't an issue in the future.

"I'll wait outside for twenty minutes. That should give you time to think it over. If you tag along, I shall await you. If you refuse, I will not hold ill will. Oh and if you ever changed your mind about us, the Soul Society and they allowed you to return, I would be the first to welcome you back home. In my eyes, you will always be one of us." Camila chuckled. "Actually, Celes," she said, heading behind her couch to grab her Zanpakuto, making her way out of the apartment with the girl, "I've uh, got something to tell you in regards to that. Let me just lock up here first, and then I've got no problem sharing what's been on my mind as of late."

As the two of them left the apartment, Camila pulled out a key and proceeded to take the time to lock the door. Once that was all said and done, she turned to Celes and took a deep breath. "So, after having a few discussions, and uh, not so pleasant interactions with other people, I've come to a decision. To start off, I want to say that I don't stand by Soul Society's actions, and I firmly believe it's corrupt all the way through. Though, that being said, as opposed to going against the lot of you for the rest of my life... I've decided that I'd like to return. I want to bring about change where I can; I want to fix that corruption, and make sure that nobody has to go through the same hell I did while I was there."

[Celes Castellanos]

The Shinigami was preparing to leave. In fact, Celes would not try to pressure her friend more than was needed. The last time she tried to pressure her into returning, a rift formed between the two. Celes didn't recognize it at the time, but the two of them were in different worlds. Celes' was filled with words such as honor, loyalty and justice. All ideas that she truly believed the Soul Society stood for. Did she approve of how Camila was treated? Absolutely not. Despite that, she had little choice. Her responsibility as a Vice Captain left her with the idea that she needed to carry out orders. Especially if they came from as high in the chain of command as the Captain Commander.

As Camila began to retell the tale of their first meeting, Celes couldn't help but smile. After all, Celes had saved her friend from a gruesome fate. Wrapped up in that cocoon, likely to be food for any hybrid that stripped her of her freedoms. Though there was something that caught Celes' attention. "It's because of you that I'm not stuck in there anymore. I can't begin to describe how thankful I am for you saving my life back then, Celes. I'm sorry I've treated you the way I have over the last two years. I, uh... I took you for granted. I promise from here on out, though, that's not going to happen again." Celes was at a loss. It seemed that there was more that needed to be addressed.

She raised her hand as if to stop Camila from going further. The normally stoic and proud warrior that was Celes felt her voice breaking somewhat. She sighed as she regained her composure. She spoke in a soft tone. "Cami...don't apologize. I should be the one to receive a reprimand. Even after the way the Soul Society has treated you I allied myself with them. I came to you and threatened your life and for what? For a command given to me? I understand why others labeled you the way they did when you arrived from a Garganta. I should have been more receptive. I should have tried to calm the situation. But..that's in the past now." 

A bright smile touched Celes' lips as she continued. "No matter the path you choose, know that I will always be proud of you. After all, you stood up to me. A Vice Captain. I would be happy to not forget the past between us, but instead learn from it. Prevent a misunderstanding like that from happening again." With that she was finally ready to give her the space she needed. Yet as she turned around, she heard Cami's voice pipe up once more with an interesting comment. "Actually, Celes, I've uh got something to tell you in regards to that. Let me just lock up here first, and then I've got no problem sharing what's been on my mind as of late."

Celes blinked for a moment as she nodded and left her friends' apartment. As she turned around to watch Camila lock up, Celes awaited her friends' discussion eagerly. What was she planning to discuss with her? "So, after having a few discussions, and uh, not so pleasant interactions with other people, I've come to a decision. To start off, I want to say that I don't stand by Soul Society's actions, and I firmly believe it's corrupt all the way through. Though, that being said, as opposed to going against the lot of you for the rest of my life... I've decided that I'd like to return. I want to bring about change where I can; I want to fix that corruption, and make sure that nobody has to go through the same hell I did while I was there."

The Vice Captain could not believe her ears. Her expression immediately went from happiness to a blank stare. Finally it became disbelief. Was Camila actually proclaiming her interesting in returning. Her first response was a rather nervous reaction. "Camila...you certainly have a way with jokes. Y..you wanna come back?" Celes laughed in a nervous manner that soon became lower and lower as Camila's expression was presumably still serious. Inevitably, Celes went as silent as the air around them. Normally she would be jumping for you, but Celes knew how difficult this venture would be. She couldn't just walk back and apologize for defecting.

She sighed and looked down at the floor. Collecting her thoughts she nodded. "You're serious...you really want to come back? What changed your mind?" Celes was beside herself with a mixture of emotions. Joy. Confusion. Even sadness. As Camila presumably expressed her reasons for returning, Celes nodded once more. "Well..if you truly intend to do this, know that this will be a most perilous task Camila. It is likely that you will need to rally support. Not just anyone though. Vice Captains and mostly Captains. You of course know you would have my support, but you'd definitely need many of them to be in favor of this." Celes bit her lip as she continued. 

"Especially with your...shared problem." Celes sighed. It would be clear that she was referring to the presence of an Inner Hollow within both of them. Yet her melancholy soon became thoughtful as she began to formulate something. "Perhaps...perhaps his mission could help you gain some ground. Show that you are still willing to work in favor of Soul Society even despite your differences." She smiled and nodded. "Perhaps that together with support from the upper echelons of the Gotei and...Yes. This could work." Celes chuckled and grabbed Camila, hugging her carelessly. Using a good chunk of her incredibly strength, Celes would likely be chocking Camila by complete accident. Assuming she coughed, the Vice Captain would let go and chuckle nervously.

[Deleted]

After she'd apologized for what had happened in the past, Camila watched as she was stopped after she spoke, and she simply smiled. "Cami...don't apologize." Camila pouted from the nickname she so desperately hated, but her concerns with that were for a different time. "I should be the one to receive a reprimand. Even after the way the Soul Society has treated you I allied myself with them. I came to you and threatened your life and for what? For a command given to me? I understand why others labeled you the way they did when you arrived from a Garganta. I should have been more receptive. I should have tried to calm the situation. But... That's in the past now. No matter the path you choose, know that I will always be proud of you. After all, you stood up to me. A Vice Captain. I would be happy to not forget the past between us, but instead learn from it. Prevent a misunderstanding like that from happening again."

Camila simply chuckled and wiped her tears. "Thank you, Celes," she said, "that means more to me than I could ever begin to describe. I'm glad we hold the same importance to each other. Well, now, at least." She chuckled, remembering her reckless mistakes in the past. Gods, if she hadn't been so stupid, could their fight have been prevented? There was no sense harping on it now, but still, she wondered with a sort of morbid curiosity. She shrugged it off, though, deciding there were much more important things to happen between the two of them. Namely, Celes' desire to get the mission between the two of them going. She wasn't about to argue.

Following the girl outside and speaking her peace about her desires to return to Soul Society, Camila simply smiled while waiting for her friend to respond. "Camila...you certainly have a way with jokes. Y... you wanna come back?" She chuckled. "Glad you think so, but in all honesty, yeah. I'd like to return, if you'd be willing to help me on that path." After she spoke, and made note of the fact that Celes had gone silent, a look of concern quickly began to grow on Camila's face. she just wanted some kind of comment from the girl. The silence was killing her, and she starting to grow worrisome that maybe this wasn't the best decision for her.

At last, Celes broke the silence. "You're serious...you really want to come back? What changed your mind?" Camila shrugged. "There was... a lot that helped to contribute to this decision. Mostly motivated by a desire to fix things back in Soul Society, partially due to a desire to get back at a certain Captain for what he put me through a few months back, but all-in-all, mostly positive reasons. I had a really heartfelt conversation with a Vice Captain about a week or so back, expect a gift to be coming soon by the way, and that honestly cleared up my head on a lot of what I was still hung up on. After that, I took the time to formulate a plan for actually, well, returning, and from there deemed that this is the best thing I could really do for myself."

"Well..if you truly intend to do this, know that this will be a most perilous task Camila. It is likely that you will need to rally support. Not just anyone though. Vice Captains and mostly Captains. You of course know you would have my support, but you'd definitely need many of them to be in favor of this. Especially with your...shared problem." Camila nodded with a smile. "You're absolutely correct, Miss Vice Captain! I've already got one more Vice Captain on board with my shenanigans, and I'm sure I can get my ex-Captain to side with me over this. Throw on all of Squad 12 that would absolutely adore the opportunity to see just how a hollow-infused Shinigami ticks, and you've got a pretty good start to this all! After my conversation with Vice Captain Kaen, I was informed that dealing with noble houses is an option to make my return that much easier for myself, so when next we meet, you might know me as Camila Kuchiki." She winked.

In thinking back to everything Celes said, one part caught her off-guard. She thought back to what she'd said, and realized immediately the line she was hung up on. Something about a... shared problem? "Wait a second," she said, "hold the fuck up; Celes, are you telling me that you're dealing with the exact same stuff as me, and you were revered by Soul Society instead?" Taking a deep breath, Camila tried to stop herself before reaching a seething point. In thinking about it, this wasn't exactly a bad thing. "Wait... Wait! This is great! This is really, really good to hear! They've already got one of us enlisted in a high position, this leads in well for my return! This is fucking perfect!"

"Perhaps...perhaps his mission could help you gain some ground. Show that you are still willing to work in favor of Soul Society even despite your differences. Perhaps that together with support from the upper echelons of the Gotei and...Yes. This could work." As Celes went in for another embrace, Camila quickly followed in suit and threw her arms around the girl. "That's exactly what I'm saying! This is going to be-" She was immediately cut off by her lack of ability to breathe as Celes began hugging her just a little bit too tightly. "Can't breathe...!" she squeaked out, as Celes let go. Coughing to catch her breath, and quickly turning that into a laugh, Camila gave Celes another quick hug. "Alrighty~! With that out of the way now, where do we begin? What's our first step for this mission?"

[Celes Castellanos]

As Celes let go of her friend, she chuckled a little. It seems that in that moment of joy she had forgotten her own strength or rather, she had forgotten how much physically weaker Camila was. As she relaxed herself, she overheard what Camila had said. "You're absolutely correct, Miss Vice Captain! I've already got one more Vice Captain on board with my shenanigans, and I'm sure I can get my ex-Captain to side with me over this. Throw on all of Squad 12 that would absolutely adore the opportunity to see just how a hollow-infused Shinigami ticks, and you've got a pretty good start to this all! After my conversation with Vice Captain Kaen, I was informed that dealing with noble houses is an option to make my return that much easier for myself, so when next we meet, you might know me as Camila Kuchiki."

She blinked once more as a myriad of thoughts whirled about in her head. She had apparently met with another Vice Captain in casual conversation. She actually proposed the idea of joining one of the noble houses. Not only that, but she had also proposed the idea of serving as a willing research subject to the Twelfth Division. Celes nodded as she took it all in. She chuckled finally before speaking. "Those are certainly plans Camila. You know of course that I would stand beside even as I am now. A Vice Captain. Even if I became a full-fledged Captain, I would stand beside. I would do what I can to try and assist you. Though...joining a noble house. That is quite an interesting proposal." 

Though as she finished, it seemed that something had finally dawned on Cami. Celes could see the look in her eyes change. "Celes, are you telling me that you're dealing with the exact same stuff as me, and you were revered by Soul Society instead?" In response to this Celes froze. Nobody actually knew of her problem. Yukito was a rather discreet character. Naturally residing in Celes' inner world for the most part, the Hollow never made himself known to anyone in the Soul Society. This is something that Celes actually appreciated. For all of his malice, there was a certain discreetness that he had. Much like an assassin, he was only seen by those who he wanted. 

Camila seemed to continue. "Wait... Wait! This is great! This is really, really good to hear! They've already got one of us enlisted in a high position, this leads in well for my return! This is fucking perfect!" The Vice Captain's lip quivered a little. Her eyes widened. Was Camila truly proposing that Celes step forward with her as being afflicted by an inner hollow. The Shinigami chuckled nervously as she kept herself reserved. Yet amidst Camia's jubilant cheers, Celes began to feel something claw at the edge of her mind. Her vision began to blur a little. She herself would not move, but she would definitely appear woozy. In an instant her vision simply turned black.

As the Shinigami came to, her head felt like it was about to explode. In fact, she would just feel terrible. As she looked up, she noticed a dark and gloomy sky. Looking all around her, a wasteland surrounded her. Weapons of all varieties littered the war-torn battlefield as dried blood was sprayed across the dry ground. Celes recognized it for what it was. It was her inner world. But more than that. It was the side that Yukito, her inner hollow, inhabited. Looking around, the Shinigami tried to find Yunorashi. There was nothing. Nothing until she turned around and saw it. As she did, her eyes went wide. It was Yunorashi's half of the split world, but twisted.

As Celes looked over the destroyed field, she took it all in. Trees that lost their leaves and with it their beauty. The steps leading up to the Acropolis-like structure in her inner world was dilapidated and destroyed. Countless trees had been felled and the once beautiful flowers and grass took on a rotten hue with blood sprayed across their petals. It was almost as if a warlord had come in and desecrated the beauty of her inner world. As she took a step forward, a voice could be heard. It was all around her at first. Slowly it became more concentrated. It was masculine and soon was emanating only from one spot. Behind Celes. She tried to focus on the words. 

"Now now. What an unfortunate fate has befallen my sister spirits' peaceful half. Truly a shame that it had to come to this." The Vice Captain immediately drew her Zanpakutou as she faced Yukito. With a heavy heart and much fury, she began to bellow. "What did you do?! How dare you desecrate her with your filth!" Yukito looked at Celes with a neutral expression. He showed no anger or hatred yet no love or care. He simply began moving forward. With a montone voice, he continued. "Oh I didn't do anything Celes. This is all you. Besides, you are no threat to me. Understand this Celes. You are out of your league. I simply brought you here to talk. Although if you'd rather fight we can. Just know that you will lose and I will devour you whole." 

An ancient and primordial unease began to take over Celes as she quivered. She could not explain why, but she could tell that he was not lying. With a grunt, she sheathed her Zanpakutou as Yukito smirked. He sighed for a moment as he walked past her and into the realm that was Yunorashi's. "So here we are. You are with your friend. You are developing a plan to bring her back into the fold. Yet there is one problem, Celes. She wishes to expose you along with herself. You knew in that moment that it would have dire consequences for you. It's why you did not react right away. For as insane as you are, you displayed a shred of temperance and intelligence." 

The Vice Captain gulped as she sighed. She began to respond to his claim. "If it meant bringing her back, I..I would expose myself. She needs the support!" Yukito chuckled once more as the Hollow shook his head. "You are fooling yourself. You know you risk execution. As does she. She has no future Celes. You do." Celes eyes widened as she gulped. The Hollow's words despite its tone made sense. Was it truly showing care? Celes did not know. She sighed for a moment as she looked to the floor. "W..what do you expect me to do. You've taken Yunorashi from me. You've burned down everything she stands for by polluting this!" 

Yukito simply shook his head. "Naïve girl. This is not my doing. Nor is this real. Inner Worlds are malleable. This is a true projection of your inner feelings. We will all burn. We will all die if you go through with this. But there is a way to stop it. You simply need to kill Camila. Stop her from exposing you." Celes looked up with teary eyes. She fell to the floor in defeat. "I..I won't. I can't." Yukito moved up to her and placed his hand on her shoulder. "A stab to the back. A slit of the throat. Even cutting out her vocal cords so she may never speak again. Kill her you fool. Its the only way. Silence her forever so you may protect yourself. Then again. You risk failing like last time." He raised her cheek. "You are weak. Let me handle it. I will do it without a second thought. If you die, so do I. I won't let that happen, you hear me? Unlike you, I would show no mercy." 

As the words pierced Celes like an arrow, she sighed. She couldn't kill Camila. She couldn't go through all of this again. Before long, the Hollow walked away as he took his own Zanpakutou. His motion would be almost imperceptible to Celes. In one instant his sword was above his head. In another it was angled downward. The slash caused a crack. Suddenly her inner world began to shatter like glass. All around them, everything would shatter. As if this illusion was a veil, the true presence of Celes' inner world showed. As she looked up, she saw it again. The beautiful trees and the Acropolis that stood proudly on Yunorashi's half. With a chuckle, Yukito spoke his final peace. "See. This is of your doing. A true reflection of your struggle. Remember what we talked about." 

As he finished, Celes vision faded for a moment. As it returned she found herself standing before Camila once more. The internal exchange must've lasted no longer than a second in the real world as Celes regained her composure. She sighed as she look up at Camila. "Camila. I.." Celes stopped as she feigned a smile. "I will stand by you. You know that. I look forward to working together and helping you back into the Soul Society." Celes was telling a half-truth. She was happy to help Camila, but she withheld the fact that her presence as a Shinigami plagued by a Hollow was under wraps. She had never told anyone and had the luxury of not having it show up in Soul Society. This was a conversation that they'd need to have later.

She breathed out as Yukito's words still plagued her deepest thoughts. Attempting to regain her composure, the Shinigami would describe their mission. "Now them. The mission is to investigate the grounds where the lab once stood. To find clues as to the whereabouts of a key figure. A creature to be exact. Soul Society does not have all the information, but there was a creature among the experiments that got free amongst the chaos. Much like a Hollow it has been hunting, but far more discreetly. We are to discover its habits, track it down and kill it. All we know is that it is an accomplished hunter. Cunning and dangerous. We will need to go to France. To the scene of the lab. That would be the first step. Luckily for this mission, I've been given permission to utilize the Senkaimon to travel to locations relevant to this mission."

[Deleted]

As Camila went on her little tirade about Celes' acceptance within Soul Society, her mind began to race with what needed to get done regarding her goals. There was still so, so much that she needed to not only work out with herself, but also in terms of Soul Society as a whole. There was far too much to consider, far too much for her to actually take the time to get going before she could even begin to think of stepping foot into Seireitei again. Thankfully, this little mission of hers was going to be the first step. To prove to Soul Society that she was still a valuable asset to have, and not someone that was going to allow herself to suffer the fate of execution that it seemed Gotei so desperately sought. 

Though she was lost in thought, she was quickly pulled back into reality as Celes seemed to freeze; almost tense up like she was losing touch with the world around her. She'd known that feeling before. She'd known it all too damned well. Albin alone had plagued her mind now more than ever; she'd been undergoing the same shifts in and out on what felt like a daily basis right now. She'd known full well that disrupting Celes while she was in the middle of that likely traumatic experience wasn't something she'd want to get herself involved with. Last time that happened to her with her skirmish regarding Ludwig she'd had to deal with weeks of recovering her control from her hollow. Not something she was going to push upon Celes to deal with.

When Celes came to, she was very likely to see Camila staring at her with a rather concerned look in her eyes. "Celes..." she spoke softly, "are you sure everything is okay? Like... On that front? If there's any way I could help... Please, don't hesitate to speak up. We're going through the same thing; the last thing I want you to feel is that you're alone in this. You're not, nor will you be. I promise you that through all of this, no matter where our paths may intersect, align, or cross, I'll be here to support you. You've got my word on that." She simply let out a soft sigh as Celes spoke. "I will stand by you. You know that. I look forward to working together and helping you back into the Soul Society." Camila simply smiled.

"Now them. The mission is to investigate the grounds where the lab once stood. To find clues as to the whereabouts of a key figure. A creature to be exact. Soul Society does not have all the information, but there was a creature among the experiments that got free amongst the chaos. Much like a Hollow it has been hunting, but far more discreetly. We are to discover its habits, track it down and kill it. All we know is that it is an accomplished hunter. Cunning and dangerous. We will need to go to France. To the scene of the lab. That would be the first step. Luckily for this mission, I've been given permission to utilize the Senkaimon to travel to locations relevant to this mission."

As Celes finished speaking, Camila took the time to analyze everything she said in chunks to make sure she didn't miss anything. Firstly, an investigation mission. Certainly not her forte, but not something she was entirely against. Especially considering what that lab was likely to contain. So long as she got her itch for a fight scratched, she was content. Especially with the mention of some creature that ended up free through the rubble. As Celes spoke through this part, Camila's smile grew wider and wider. She was certainly excited to hear that much about what was going on, her heart seemed to drop once Celes mention the Senkaimon.

"That, uh, that raises an interesting situation," she said, "where does that place me? If I need to take the time to book some flights I can, I've definitely got the money for that as of right now. I find it hard to believe that I'll just be welcomed through the Senkaimon, though, yeah? Seems like a bit of dangerous situation for me, and the last thing I'd want to do for the time being is put you at that much risk, you know? Unless you've been given some kind of approval to carry me through there?" Camila watched the girl with interest as to what she was going to say. Did Celes already have something like that figured out for the two of them in terms of travel?

[Celes Castellanos]

As the Vice Captain began to explain the plan to Camila, Celes could tell that something was on the Shinigami's mind. Something that needed to be addressed. Celes quickly fell silent after her explanation as she looked at Camila with extraordinary focus. Could Camila truly have picked up on the slightest of shifts in her? The brief moment of lethargy and dizziness? Celes could barely believe it. It seemed to her that Camila was quite astute. Out of the rogues' questions, the first would definitely hit Celes the hardest as she began to ruminate on what answer to provide. Could she do it? Could she lie to Camila? To one of, if not her best friend.

"Celes...are you sure everything is okay? Like... On that front? If there's any way I could help... Please, don't hesitate to speak up. We're going through the same thing; the last thing I want you to feel is that you're alone in this. You're not, nor will you be. I promise you that through all of this, no matter where our paths may intersect, align, or cross, I'll be here to support you. You've got my word on that." Celes could hear the care in her friends voice. The worry. Celes knew that she was being genuine yet among her thoughts and the words that Camila was offering her, there was another voice. Words that were fading in and out as if spoken by a phantom.

"Kill her....end her now." They where silent starting out. In fact, Celes could barely make it out unless she listened intently. Soon it would grow. "Silence her. Cut out her tongue." The Vice Captain sighed. She needed to do her best to tune it out. Decades of experience and discipline could help her yet the disembodied voice continued to drone over her. To compel her. Nay, force her to do the deed. Yet despite all the pressure she stood form. Resolute. This vile fiend would not get the better of her. It certainly would not bring her to cause harm to Camila. Not if she had anything to say about it. Celes sighed once more to try and calm her mind before she went on to address Camila. 

"Of course Camila. I'll be fine. Just you know. They draw you in every now and then. Offering honeyed words. At least mine does. It's fine though. He certainly won't bring down a warrior like me." She laughed boisterously before returning to having a grin on her face. She was quite good at it. Covering up her problems with a smile and laughter. She had no time to dwell on the negativity. She would not allow it to bring her low. She was a Vice Captain. She had a responsibility to herself and others. With that rank came recognition and honor. Yet the price of that honor was how she presented herself to others and increasingly more difficult decisions. 

Amongst the façade of joy, there was a calm intensity emerging from Celes as her friend mentioned a complication that was too important to ignore. "Where does that place me? If I need to take the time to book some flights I can, I've definitely got the money for that as of right now. I find it hard to believe that I'll just be welcomed through the Senkaimon, though, yeah? Seems like a bit of dangerous situation for me, and the last thing I'd want to do for the time being is put you at that much risk, you know? Unless you've been given some kind of approval to carry me through there?" Celes blinked as she had not even considered that. 

Celes began to wander back and forth as she pondered on this. There could be only one clear solution to Celes and Camila put it quite nicely. "Well. As you said, there is a risk to this. I don't want to make this any harder on you than it needs to be, but if you truly care that much for our individual safeties, you may need to find alternative transportation. I can meet you in France. You wouldn't be hard to track down. You and that rather explosive spiritual pressure of yours." Celes chuckled as she teased Camila's apparent difficulty in being able to suppress her Spiritual Pressure. Was it because it was simply overflowing? She was not sure, but she would wait to consider any alternatives. 

[Deleted]

"Of course Camila. I'll be fine. Just you know. They draw you in every now and then. Offering honeyed words. At least mine does. It's fine though. He certainly won't bring down a warrior like me." Camila followed through with the same laughter. Though, likely for a different reason. A reason Camila was about to get into. "Honeyed words sounds much, much better than the shit I've been dealing with. If that's all you're getting away with, then I'm incredibly glad to hear that, Celes." Camila smiled at her friend. This was absolutely a good thing to hear! The fact that Celes hadn't been dealing with something potentially very bad helped to put Camila's mind at ease over everything.

As Camila made her point, she went on to hear out just what Celes had to say. "Well. As you said, there is a risk to this. I don't want to make this any harder on you than it needs to be, but if you truly care that much for our individual safeties, you may need to find alternative transportation. I can meet you in France. You wouldn't be hard to track down. You and that rather explosive spiritual pressure of yours." Camila couldn't help but chuckle as Celes seemed to poke fun at her. She knew she didn't mean it in a harmful way, so she wasn't worried about it. That said, as Celes finished, she'd made up her mind pretty quickly about what she wanted to do.

"Well, if you're willing to head through the Senkaimon with me, then I'd like to think it shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully we won't be met with opposition, yeah?" She sighed, thinking about what could've ended up going wrong. Worst case scenario, she'd end up executed. Best case, this was the perfect reason for her to end up with a noble pardon, especially if she showed she was plagued with an inner hollow. Given the fact that Celes was publicly displaying this at that point, she wasn't fearful of anything going wrong on that front. Hell, that alone could've been the reason she got back into Soul Society! Having another Vizard hopeful had to have been a strategic advantage, and it wasn't one that she was going to pass up if she could help it.

Turning her attention back to Celes, Camila watched the girl with interest. "So! France, huh? Certainly an interesting predicament for us to be in to have to head back there, huh? One thing I wanted to ask though, what other information do you have for this mission? Or are you also in the dark on that one?" She laughed. In truth, Camila didn't like being left in the dark; especially when it came to something involving Soul Society. While she trusted Celes, she didn't exactly trust the girl's lawful attitude. She didn't put it above the Gotei to try to use this as some sort of trap, but at the same time, she wanted to try to give Celes the benefit of the doubt. As such, asking about the mission was the best idea in her mind.

[Celes Castellanos]

As Celes went into depth about the nature of her Inner Hollow, she was surprised to see Camila smile a little bit. If this were anyone else her immediate reaction would have likely been far more explosive. She would have likely lashed out, but her temper simmered as Camila went on to explain her reasoning for laughter. "Honeyed words sounds much, much better than the shit I've been dealing with. If that's all you're getting away with, then I'm incredibly glad to hear that, Celes." Celes simply smiled in response to Camila's response. In the back of her mind, however, Celes knew that she was lying through her teeth. She simply did not want to concern Camila. After all, her Inner Hollow showed a twisted sense of care for Celes. Perfectly willing to sacrifice friends and torment her when she was not in danger. It was vile and the Shinigami felt its attempts to manipulate become stronger by the day. 

As Celes expressed alternative methods of Camila making her way to France, it seemed that her friend had already made up her mind rather quickly. Celes expression would turn from joy to ambivalence then suddenly to a sense of concern. "Well, if you're willing to head through the Senkaimon with me, then I'd like to think it shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully we won't be met with opposition, yeah?" Celes sighed audibly as she tried to collect herself. This was incredibly risky. Not just for Camila. Celes was also at incredible risk here, but she could not deter Camila. If the effort was to bring her back into the fold, Celes had to whatever she could to make this as easy on her as possible. 

Before Celes really had a chance to retort it seemed that Camila had questions about their mission. Celes was not suprised though she did not have much to share. Regardless she would listen. "So! France, huh? Certainly an interesting predicament for us to be in to have to head back there, huh? One thing I wanted to ask though, what other information do you have for this mission? Or are you also in the dark on that one?" Yet another sigh emerged from Celes' lips. Navigating all of this would be difficult, but she had to try her best. In truth Celes knew about as much as she had told Camila. She knew very little about what needed to be done. 

The Shinigami would respond with a gentle smile touching her lips. "Well one thing at a time. First the easy part. I know as much information as I have told you. In truth, Soul Society has very little intelligence on this matter. Information in regards to this mission has been scarce. All we know is that a large amount of souls and even more frighteningly, Shinigami have gone missing around France. It seems to be that this Hollow has established its hunting grounds there. It is elusive and powerful. Hence why we had never been able to catch it and why information on it only came up now. This is why I was intended to choose from another Vice Captain or higher to accompany me." 

The Vice Captain smiled as she essentially implied that Camila was easily as strong as her. Perhaps she could try to appeal to Camila in this way? She was not sure. Unfortunately now it was time to address the far more difficult and precarious topic that now needed to be discussed. Celes cleared her throat as she explained their traveling situation. "Camila. Are you sure you want to do this? This is a dangerous decision. Even for you? Would it not be better to bide your time? Get more of the Soul Society on your side? My own power only goes so far after all. I certainly cannot protect you forever against them." If Camila turned a new leaf and expressed an alternative route than Celes would drop it right here.

If Camila expressed further desire to go via Senkaimon, then Celes would sigh for a moment as she pondered. Pacing back and forth before stopping, her eyes would descend upon Camila once more. "If you are sure to proceed then do you still have your old Shihakusho? Preferably also a Gigai and some way to cover your face? If this was all confirmed to the Vice Captain then she would continue. "We will pass you off as a new member of the Tenth Division. I will need to take some liberties as Acting Captain of the Tenth Division, but this could work. We just need to properly hide you in the aforementioned manner. Your name is less important so any alias will do." Celes would stop and would let Camila think about this plan. They could always turn back. Explore new avenues. This would require guile, cunning and deception. Hopefully Camila could make up for Celes ineptitude at those social skills.