Never Forgive Me, Never Forget Me [Social]

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Taking a deep breath, Albin took a moment to let the atmosphere of the Squad 10 barracks sink in. The sound of metal clamoring with metal, wooden sandals clack clack clacking against the ground, and even the enthusiastic shouting of Shinigami thrilled to train this early in the morning. Albin couldn't help but smile at what he'd heard, and gladly walked inside for a rather... necessary meeting. Albin had been out of the academy for what, maybe ten or so days? This wasn't a meeting he wanted to put off any longer than that, even if he had an eternity to do so.

Waving passed those that gladly met his gaze, Albin continued to keep walking deeper inside of the barracks, doing what he could in order to get through as easily as possible. He didn't expect anyone to put up a fuss about him heading to meet with the Squad's Captain, but just in case, he wasn't going to do anything that immediately jeopardized that fact. Even despite his aggressive tendencies, he was going to keep himself in check as best he could for the time. Getting into a fight with the girl wasn't something he expected to happen, but he was going to temper himself nonetheless.

"Hello, Sir," a more muscularly-inclined girl said, standing watch by the Captain's office, "I mean nothing by this, but might I ask your Squad, and what business you have with our Captain?" Albin nodded with a smile. "Not a worry. I'm Albin Landry; unseated member of the thirteenth, and I'd simply like to speak with Captain Celes if possible. I have news on an old friend of hers that she might want to hear." The girl shot Albin back a similar nod. "Not a problem! I'll let the Captain know; I'll be back out shortly with her response for you." Sliding open the door, the girl disappeared inside.

Turning back around to face where she'd been standing, this same girl walked into Celes' own office, and turned to face the girl, assuming she was there at the time. "Captain!" she said, somewhat excitable, "there's a man present from Squad 13 that said he'd like to speak with you; says his name is Albin Landry, and that he wants to talk to you about news regarding an old friend of yours. Would you like me to wave him in?" Standing patiently, this same girl awaited a response from her captain.

[Celes Shindazu]

The air was quiet in Celes' office. Ink and brushes were laid down, forms were filed with more paperwork filling parts of the desk, waiting to be fulfilled as a hot pot of tea sizzled, steam rising through the air. Normally the opening of cabinets and the scratching of the brush on paper would be filling the office, but this time, Celes had chosen to forego the stressors of work and relax for once. Most would go for a walk in the countless paths of the Seireitei or the bountiful forests of the Soul Society as a whole. Celes' on the other hand sat in her chair, one of her blades laid across her lap as she meditated. The art of Jinzen, a practice that Celes had an intimate familiarity with. 

This allowed Celes to delve into her Inner World. While other Shinigami likely entered their Inner World a few times, Celes found herself their multiple times a week. Walking through the forest that was one half of her Inner World, Celes enjoyed the presence of one particular soul above most. The trees above her rustled. Celes sighed and looked up at them as the leaves gently fell from the canopy before the rustling stopped. Celes rolled her eyes and chuckled. She spoke in a clear tone. "Yunorashi. You need to stop hiding one of these days. Maybe I've come for a purpose other than training." She couldn't help, but chuckle a little at the demeanor of her Zanpakutou Spirit. 

The Shinigami tilted her head as there was more rustling for a moment. Then suddenly she felt a presence atop her shoulder. Looking over, she saw the small frame of Yunorashi sitting on her shoulder and giggling softly. She spoke in her usual bubbly and childish tone. "Well, I typically know why you come here Celes! I am a part of you remember?" Yunorashi stuck her tongue out prompting Celes to take her other hand and gently slap it against her forehead. "Always the child Yunorashi..." The Zanpakutou spirit couldn't help, but scowl as she pouted. "Ow! Do you have to be such a killjoy and a bully?!" The Shinigami could not help, but sigh. "You can handle it. You could probably beat me up if you wanted to." She winked as the Spirit quick spoke in a rebuttal. "Well, that doesn't mean that it didn't hurt you clutz!" Celes and Yunorashi glared at one another for a moment until a chuckle emerged from Yunorashi. Then Celes couldn't help, but smirk.

Soon the two of them had devolved into a fit of joyful laughter as Celes spoke. "It's always nice to see you Yunorashi..." The Spirit giggled and winked. "And a pleasure to see you as well...Captain Shindazu." Huffing and rolling her eyes once more, Celes barked. "Damn it Yuno..you know I hate that title!" A small squeak and a giggle later, the Spirit retorted with a grin. "Oh I know. Why do you think I said it?" Celes simply sighed and shook her head. "Who's the bully now?" Her expression could only be described as a knowing smirk as Yuno huffed back. "No fair! You can't use my own words against me!" Celes chuckled as she utilized a Shunpo to traverse the Inner World quickly, Yunorashi able to hold onto her shoulder as she traveled with the Shinigami. 

Soon the pair would find themselves near the top steps of the citadel that stood vibrantly hundreds of feet above the trees. It was difficult to miss, and Celes would be remiss if she did not admit that she had spent very little time near the citadel. Yunorashi hopped off of her shoulder and sat next to her along the steps. From here Celes could gaze upon much of the Inner World. A sea of trees dotted the ground below as there was a split further down. Celes knew that area well. She could not explain why, but it looked like a war-torn battlefield. The lands were black and charred as countless weapons littered the field. It was like the remnants of a full-scale war.

The Shinigami looked across the field and then at Yunorashi. She smiled as her arm came around her shoulder and she spoke softly. "Y'know...it's been becoming worse over time...that Hollow I mean.." Yunorashi looked up at her with big eyes and nodded seriously. "I know. He's actually been making his way over here from time to time. He doesn't speak to me. He just walks through the forest for a few minutes and then returns back to his side. We've exchanged blows now and again, but very short skirmishes. It's almost as if he's testing even me..." Celes simply nodded as she looked back at the field. It was then that she heard the echoing of steps behind her. They resonated throughout the citadel and grew quieter as they emerged more and more.

The dark silhouette became clearer as Celes gasped. His voice, so calm yet imposing rang through the air. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear.." Celes glared as Yunorashi simply stared at him. "Surprised to see me?" The Shinigami simply tilted her head and spoke with vitriol in her voice. "Not really...you seem to weasel your way into many things nowadays..." The Hollow only gave a sly smirk, returning to a stoic expression. "No need to be so hateful Celes. I've just come to see what this citadel is all about. As I suspected, much like yourself, it was little value." Celes snarled as Yunorashi brought her hand against Celes' shoulder. The Shinigami paused for a moment. Was...Yunorashi trying to hold her back..?

She would simply snarl once more as she barked. "What do you want?" The Hollow shook his head. "Hmm. How can one be so naive despite being a Captain.." He sighed and spoke with the same stoicism. "You out of the way. You're too weak. Too sentimental." Celes blinked and peered at him. "What on earth are you talking about...?" The Hollow scoffed. "Seems I got to spell it out to you now. You possess this great strength, yet you lack the will to use it. You fight only honorably. On par with your opponents. You were gullible enough to trust that Akki. Mark my words. You're going to get us all killed one day and I for one won't stand idly by and disappear with you." The Shinigami simply blinked. She felt a pull at her consciousness. Was someone interacting with her body? Celes sighed and glared. "You don't know what you're talking about!" Suddenly Yunorashi touched Celes' shoulder once more. "Just leave for now Celes. I'll make sure that he doesn't leave any lasting damage." The Hollow simply smirked. A notable one. "She can certainly try. In the meantime...try to not get yourself killed Celes." 

Suddenly Celes' vision went dark. She closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she was greeted by the light of her Office and one of her Officers right next to her. She rustled Celes' arm. "Captain!" She looked a tad bit concerned. "Are you alright?" Celes nodded for a moment as she came out of her haze and sat formally in her chair. She smiled at her Officer to reaffirm that she was alright. "Yes Daisy. I'm okay. Just spent some time Yunorashi is all. Well. What's wrong?" The officer stood before her and spoke. "there's a man present from Squad 13 that said he'd like to speak with you; says his name is Albin Landry, and that he wants to talk to you about news regarding an old friend of yours. Would you like me to wave him in?"

Celes blinked for a moment. "An old friend..?" She looked up at Daisy and nodded. "Please do...and Daisy. Why don't you and John take the day off. Relax a bit." The Officer nodded, smiling, and returned to the door. She'd nod at Albin, granting him entry before Daisy and John walked off, talking. As Albin entered, Celes spoke softly. "Please close the doors on your way in." In the meantime, Celes leaned back into her chair and peered at Albin. "So..an Unseated Officer of the Thirteenth Division pays me a visit. How is Captain Ludwig doing lately?" Celes leaned in a little as she took a sip of her tea, humming softly and listening. "Well. Albin was it? You mentioned that you had business with me? Something about an old friend of mine?" Celes was quite eager to hear what was on Albin's mind. 

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Upon being escorted inside of Celes' office, Albin took a deep breath, and softly let it out. He knew that this meeting was going to be... rough, for a number of reasons. He wanted to make sure that things went over as smoothly as he could muster for both himself, and Celes. After all, he felt that this was his own fault, and that he needed to at least give the girl's friends closure on what had happened. That much, whether or not he actually liked Camila, was deserving to those that knew her in life. Celes was the first on that list.

Upon making it into the girl's office, Albin nodded at the girl's introduction, closing both doors behind him. "So..an Unseated Officer of the Thirteenth Division pays me a visit. How is Captain Ludwig doing lately?" With a melancholic smile, Albin decided to talk. "He's doing all right. I'm doing what I can to help him restore Squad thirteen back to a place where we can both be proud of it, at the time, all things considered. Neither of us want it to be a place were someone feels they aren't safe anymore, y'know? So, for the time, he's definitely doing okay. I'll keep you updated on that one, though, Captain."

"Well. Albin was it? You mentioned that you had business with me? Something about an old friend of mine?" With a soft nod, Albin scratched at the back of his head, struggling to make eye contact with the girl. His brow curled ever so slightly upward, as any semblance of smiling or an outwardly positive expression otherwise faded. "I... this is about Camila. If you need a second to prepare for what I'm about to share, please take that time. I'd advise taking it, if I'm being honest. It... might be a bit heavy."

Assuming she took that time to prepare, Albin still found himself unable to make eye contact with the girl. Given everything that was about to happen... Something like that was a bit too much. Once she said she was ready, he decided to speak up. "I don't really know how to put this eloquently, Celes, but... Camila's dead." Taking another moment to pause, to allow the girl the time to process where needed, they'd continue shortly afterward. "I'm... sorry, Captain Celes. I didn't mean to just lay that information on you if I didn't have to, but... yeah. Unfortunately she didn't manage to make it through Hueco Mundo."

[Celes Shindazu]

Celes eagerly awaited Albin to take his seat. After all, he claimed to have information that may be of interest to her. First though came the pleasantries. This was an Officer of the Thirteenth Division. Celes briefly thought about it. "That is Captain Ludwig's Division is it not? Never really had a chance to meet him. Perhaps I should change that one of these days.." Just to solidify the pleasantries, Celes would ask how the Captain of the Thirteenth was of late. Celes also knew the Division as Camila's old Squad before she defected. The Thirteenth held sentimental value to her and because of this, she did not mind taking a surprise visit from one of its officers. 

As expected, Albin commented. "He's doing all right. I'm doing what I can to help him restore Squad thirteen back to a place where we can both be proud of it, at the time, all things considered. Neither of us want it to be a place were someone feels they aren't safe anymore, y'know? So, for the time, he's definitely doing okay. I'll keep you updated on that one, though, Captain." The Captain nodded briefly, idly stirring a spoon, swishing it through her tea. She chuckled briefly at the formalities, but she'd let it continue on for now. After all, she was used to others standing on ceremony for the first time. Regardless, she'd let the conversation flow once more.

After all, she was curious about the nature of this information. As she addressed him, she noted a shift in his body language. His upright posture diminished slightly, his brow furrowed and his expression, formerly pleasant, was now melancholy. Celes waited, but no amount of preparation would allow her to steel herself for what was to come. "I... this is about Camila. If you need a second to prepare for what I'm about to share, please take that time. I'd advise taking it, if I'm being honest. It... might be a bit heavy." As he dropped Camila's name, Celes would stop twirling the spoon. In fact, it would rest silently within the cup of tea as she looked at the Shinigami before her. She would be dead silent. 

He'd have her full undivided attention as she leaned forward. As Albin continued, Celes' set her cup down. "I don't really know how to put this eloquently, Celes, but... Camila's dead." He'd pause, presumably to give Celes time to digest the news, but she just wanted him to continue. She would give no response other than her blinking eyes. "I'm... sorry, Captain Celes. I didn't mean to just lay that information on you if I didn't have to, but... yeah. Unfortunately she didn't manage to make it through Hueco Mundo." There it was. It seemed as though the ill fortune had been confirmed. Celes clasped her hands together as she sighed.

She'd take a moment to compile her thoughts. Lightly tapping her thumbs against the wood of the desk, Celes would finally speak. Her voice was low and gentle, but there was pain to it. "So it's true then..." Another sigh briefly escaped her lips as she shook her head. "It appears that you were a little late with your news, Albin. For you see.." She leaned forward somewhat, her voice becoming more serious. "I've already been told of Camila's fate." She tried hard to hold back the pain that soared through her voice. It was growing difficult, but she would try anyway. "A Wynne Kuchiki who accompanied Camila to Hueco Mundo and returned weeks later told me that she suspected Camila's death." 

For a moment, she'd simply remain there. Silent. The steam rose idly from the tea and the Captain's fingers tapped softly against the desk. "Now then, am I to suspect that you followed to these two to Hueco Mundo?" She gingerly placed the palm of one of her hands against her forehead, closing her eyes, sighing. "Every time it seems that someone finds a way to make ripples. First Camila... now Wynne." She'd look at Albin with a serious look, raising her hand to try and calm him. "No worries. I'm not about to throw you into the stockade for this. What I do want to know, however, is how you came by this information. How you know-... knew Camila. Finally, why you decided to bring this information to me. It carries a certain risk with it after all." She'd simply sit in her chair, waiting for Albin to answer. She would not try to project herself in any menacing manner if she could avoid it. She was not about to cast blame or suspicion. The topic was too important for her to let it slip away. Would she finally get some answers?! Especially after how Wynne talked to her about Camila? Only time would tell.

[Deleted]

"So it's true then..." ...What? What? "What?" Albin asked aloud, allowing nothing but visual confusion to completely set in. 'It's true'? Did someone else already relay some bit of information to her? Good lord, he'd thought he was on top of this! More importantly, people actually remembered Camila? That... was a surprise, all things considered. Especially given how she'd been outcasted amongst her peers. "It appears that you were a little late with your news, Albin.

Gods. That made... next to no sense. Just who got to Celes before he did with this information? Would she share? He'd wait and listen intently. "A Wynne Kuchiki who accompanied Camila to Hueco Mundo and returned weeks later told me that she suspected Camila's death." Raising his eyebrows, Albin immediately began to comment. "Wynne's made it back safely? That's... Unexpected. If nothing else, I'm relieved she's doing all right." From there, he let his words trail off, as Celes continued to speak. "Now then, am I to suspect that you followed to these two to Hueco Mundo?"

Albin nodded. "To... To a degree. In a way, I've been with Camila from... really the beginning, if I'm being honest." Taking a deep breath, Albin prepared for what Celes was about to say. "Every time it seems that someone finds a way to make ripples. First Camila... now Wynne. No worries. I'm not about to throw you into the stockade for this. What I do want to know, however, is how you came by this information. How you know-... knew Camila. Finally, why you decided to bring this information to me. It carries a certain risk with it after all."

Sighing softly, Albin began to speak. "What I'm about to share needs to stay inside of these walls. If any of this gets out, I could very easily have my future cut short, if you get what I'm trying to say. If you're willing to agree to those terms, I'll share what I know." Pausing for Celes to respond, Albin had no problems simply not sharing what he knew if she didn't agree, and frankly wasn't going to. Assuming she did, though, he had no problem continuing his thoughts.

"I'm Albin Landry, previously a piece of Camila's soul; that same inner hollow you fought a couple months back. Glad to finally meet you face-to-face."