Camilla and Kara: Comatose Captain

"What do you mean they've gotten worse?!" I clench 'my' fists, tears in 'my' eyes as I look down at the **** brunette. "And why didn't anyone tell me?!"

"Calm yourself!" Mother sternly orders. "You are lucky William is out."

I glance to the door, before looking down. "You think I didn't deserve to know? If someone had told me, I would've-"

The matron re-wets the rag and sets it on back on Camilla's forehead. "Broken out of prison? Brought the guard down on all of us? That's exactly why Camilla asked us not to tell you." I'm taken aback, my voice caught in my throat. "If you had found out naturally, there would have been nothing to be done about it. Now, there is nothing you can do about it."

I wipe the tears from my eyes. "...so unfair... I won't just let this slide, you know. I'm gonna find a way back, and I'll find a way to fix this."

Mother smiles softly. "I am sure you will. Camilla will find a way to last until then."

Darkness surrounds Camilla once more. "Welcome back."

The captain scoffs. "I already told you. I'm not joining you in whatever your plan is."

"You may not have a choice this time. That is, if you still want to protect those close to you." A humanoid-looking silhouette, just barely visible against the blackness around them, steps forth. "Dusk is in grave danger, and unless you let me help him, his foe will overpower him."

Camilla grits her teeth. "You don't know that."

"I do. He has made great strides since his reincarnation, and had he continued as such, this foe wouldn't present the problem it does. However, we both know his growth has been limited by his confinement. I know you can feel the danger he's in. My power guarantees it." The silhouette reaches out a hand. "You have the choice to help him. You have the choice to let me in. Need I remind you what happens to Kara if Dusk falls?"

The brunette clenches her fist. "No, you don't..." She felt at that 'thread' connecting her to Dusk, confirming the threat, vague as it may be.

"We have the same goal, Camilla. We want to protect Dusk. Allow me to accomplish that goal."

Camilla lowers her head in thought. "And you guarantee they'll be safe?"

"It is my duty to protect him and those close to him."

"So you say..." She raises her hand and looks at her palm. "How do I know you aren't lying?"

A pause. "You don't, but time is of the essence. The longer you hesitate, the more danger Dusk is in."

The captain eyes the eyeless being. "If you're lying, I won't let you go so easily." She takes the silhouette's hand, and a rippling effect seems to give light, skin to the silhouette's form.

As the rippling spreads, Camilla stares in shock at...herself. "I wouldn't have it any other way." The duplicate's eyes dimly glow blue and red.