Another Day, Another Annoyance

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Why did she come here? Out of all the possible places to take a little trip to, she had to come to the one place that was the closest to Creta that it could possibly be? The girl shook her head and sighed softly, bringing a soft hand up to her forehead and placing it against it, feeling the warmth that came off of her skin. She must be sick. Yes, that's it! That's the only goddamn reason why she'd be thick enough to come this close to Creta in the first place! Overuse of emphasis aside, the girl couldn't help but wonder where she was, as a matter of fact. This place didn't look like a formerly Cretan place, it just looked... normal. And as she walked, she noticed that little niggling feeling in the back of her mind, telling her that Celesto was well and truly healthy right now. That in itself relieved her, and removed the stress of being so close to her home country. If she peered, she could see the rolling hills...

"Sigh. Of all the things, this one is the most frustrating." Honestly, she would love nothing more than this shit with Dietrich to stop. It was pointless and petty, but she couldn't help but hate him. Hate him with every fiber of her being. Because he... stole everything from her. Her family. Her life. But... she found something else, too. Something that she could live for... her eyes focussed on an imaginary blonde in front of her, and she smiled softly. She could certainly live for him... Suddenly, footsteps. The girl turned around slightly, not sure if they were friend or foe, but looking at whoever had just come too close for comfort.

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Spoiler:

"No mom, I'll be fine. I just... I just need some space ok?" Vivian fell quiet as she held the phone to her ear, her long black hair hanging free for once. The black sweater dress she wore hung down to about her mid-thigh, fitting close to her body except for the sleeves. They were a little baggy on her arms, but it was alright. It suited her just fine this day. The leather strap of a purse hung at a diagonal across her chest, the bag also leather and rather simple looking. She never really considered herself flashy, but if there were a time that she truly wasn't, that time would be now. She sighed as she lowered her gaze, the heels of her boots clicking softly on the pavement.

"I know, I know. Mom, you forget I-- Exactly, nothing will happen. Well nothin-- Yeah. See? I'll be fine. Tell everyone that I love them ok? I'll be home in a couple of days. I know it's a short visit, but I don't want to be away from my post for too long. Love you too, bye." Her voice was on the softer side on the relatively peaceful streets, ignoring a couple of glances that she received from people she walked past. Yes, she was speaking Cretarian. Yes, she was from the country right over there. Yes, they now had a treaty despite.... Touching the screen with her thumb, she ended the call and slipped it back into her bag with another sigh as a hand ran through her hair. It felt a little strange for it to be down since she usually kept it tied back. But she wasn't a soldier right now, nor a guard of any kind. She was just.... Vivian. Not even a Duchamp. Just her. It's all she needed right now.

Folding her arms over her chest, the cold and the weight of her men clung to her inside. Their faces lingered in her mind, especially.... Her eyes closed as her lips tightened, pushing away that lump in her throat. Dead. Sacrificed for their country, for their honor, for.... her. She remembered what her older brother had said to her when she had stopped by before she left, and it offered little comfort. It just wasn't her time to die. Well why hadn't it? Frustratedly, she scratched the back of her hair and looked around, spotting a cafe down the street. Tea- No... no maybe some coffee would be better right now. She had to stop thinking this way, it would lessen what had already been done. And she knew the fallen wouldn't want her to feel this way.

No... time to focus on what was around her. She was in Amestris now after all. She should be on her guard in case the feeling of unease at the sudden peace treaty was mutual. She wouldn't put it above some people to start a fight if they found out that she was a Cretan much less one of the Royal Guards. That would roll over real well-- And she almost bumped right into a woman. "Oh, sorry. I wasn't paying attention." She spoke softly, stepping to allow for personal space as her eyes met Aren's. Pretty girl. Wow, really pretty girl. Giving her a small, apologetic smile, she began to walk once more. She pulled up her sleeve a little to check the time, turning her wrist since the face of the clock was on the bottom of it. The blue of her transmutation circle tattoos upon her palms, and the back of her hands, stood out like her eyes did, judging that it wouldn't be too bad if she did get a coffee now. Letting the sleeve return to how it had been, her hand then gathered her hair behind her ears, hoping that something hot would warm the cold within her chest.

[Guest]

Major General Jethro Black walked through the streets of Certa with a weight heavy upon his shoulders. Almost four years ago, he had finished his training under his Uncle Michael Black and became a full fledged knight of the Black family. Afterwards, he had become an extended asset for the Amestrian military, working jobs off and on with them alongside his new partner and best friend Cironis. They mostly worked in the West, tensions on the rise with Markus and Spade. About two years ago Jet joined the military full time as the second-in-command at Western HQ, knowing this was the best way to represent the family in Amestris. Then a few months ago, the leader of Western Command retired, leaving Jet to become it's new commander and elevating him to the rank of Brigadier General. All the while Sky stayed by his side, even becoming the new second-in-command with a special contract, meaning he was still not fully part of the military but was still Black's right hand man in the West.

Two weeks ago, Jet saved a woman by the name of Saga Tsukino in Central after being tossed by a tornado. Though he still didn't fully know the extent of why she was wounded the way she was, or why she had the same last name as the Lt. General Reila of Fort Briggs, he knew he'd find out soon enough. Since then he has fallen head over heels in love with her, and he feels that she's slowly beginning to love him as well. He had sworn to protect her and help her no matter what, and he planned to keep that promise until he died. After the destruction of most of Amestris a week ago, he found her and took her to his home in West City, where she's been staying ever since. He hopes its permanent, but he knew the choice was up to her in the end. Jet would just try as hard as he could to keep her happy as long as possible.

A week ago, Jet had led the forces of West City against the Cretan Royal Task Force in a head to head battle to the death, the rest of the Amestrian military coming to his aide later to push them out of their homeland. Though the casualties were high on both sides, the battle only ended after the last Fuhrer Hild and her partner Aurel detonated bombs all across Amestris, destroying Central and East Cities, and leaving West and North Cities heavily damaged. Almost a third of the state was either killed or wounded from the bombs and the two battles, the highest casualty count Amestris had seen in over a century. Though Jet knew it wasn't his fault, he still felt somewhat responsible for letting that many people die on his watch. It was saddening and frustrating all at the same time.

Jet was in Certa today to monitor the remaking and upgrading of border defenses. Since their failure in the recent assault, it became obvious that they need to be overhauled and upgraded to stand against them if the time came once again. The General had come personally to oversee the operations, wanting to see them completed correctly and well. He was walking alone, knowing the defenses, though almost done, would still take hours before they were ready for his inspection. Since he hadn't been to Certa ever since he came here after his families betrayal, he wanted to see it again, without the Amestrian brass nagging him constantly. The peacefulness of of the small town was nice, much better than the constant business of the big city. Even his home in West City was on the outskirts, far away from the hustle and bustle. He liked the quiet sounds of nature, they brought him to peace. As he walked and enjoyed the alone time, he saw two young women bump into each other as they walked, both very distracted with something going on in their heads. Jet smiled and shrugged, continuing his walk. Before he took a single step however, it hit him. That woman, she looked familiar, he had seen her before. A long time ago, in his past. In Creta perhaps?

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Almost? Yeah, fucking right.

THUD. Their bodies collided, and Aren was almost knocked back by the body of the other woman. She was about to say something in rebuttal, tell her off for getting in her way, when she actually took a second to look at this woman. She was... exceedingly pretty. That raven black hair of her's was amazing, and far better looking that her own deep violet, in her opinion. Aren sighed softly, and scratched the back of her head. This woman looked like she belonged in Creta, for some reason. So she decided to test the waters.

"Oh, sorry. I wasn't paying attention."

"Do you speak Cretan?" Her native tongue flowed out of her with ease, and she continued to speak to the woman, whether or not she understood any of the words that she spoke. "If you do, I have a few questions for you. I'm sorry if I seem pushy or violent about this, but I really need to know." Her eyes narrowed slightly, and a hand went to the bat on her hip.

"Do you work for Dietrich? If you do, do you know who I am? If you do, are you here to capture me?" She didn't want to be this paranoid, but she felt that she needed to. It was a necessary requirement of her paranoia. Because if she didn't have this feeling, she might find herself with a Cretan gun to her head. That was never a good idea.

"Sorry if I scared you or you didn't understand. But this is needed." She shrugged and sighed sheepishly.

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Oh my, she must have really been more distracted than she initially thought. She wasn't sure, but was...... Maybe, but it could have been just a trick of the light or maybe she was looking for things she shouldn't.

"Do you speak Cretan?"

Vivian slowed rather quickly to a stop, one of her hands casually gripping the strap to her purse. She did have a pistol and a dagger hidden within it, but she truly hoped that she wasn't going to need them. Turning to face this pretty woman once more, she nodded once, blue eyes cool as a cucumber. Take this very.... easy.... She seemed like she merely wanted to talk and that was all. She had to relax, being on edge just added more stress that she didn't need. "Indeed I do. It is... alright, I will answer your questions." She spoke with a very slight friendliness to her tone. She didn't want to assume that the questions would be--

Her jaw tightened, taking a few steps back towards Aren so she didn't have to speak too loudly, being rather careful that she wasn't going to startle the girl. Clearly she was rather on edge about Creta's ruler. Taking a moment to gather a fair answer, she called up a small smile to her features, shaking her head. "Do not worry about it. I.. do work for Lord Dietrich. I'm one of his Royal Guards and 1st Lieutenant of the First Royal Squad." She began, glancing over the woman before her once more. Huh, that was strange.... her eyes were purple, but they had appeared green for a moment. That surely must have been the light. "I know not who you are I'm afraid, and I have no reason to capture you as far as I am concerned." Blinking twice, she cocked her head to the side.

Had Dietrich been hiding something from her? She knew that he held his own secrets, but it wasn't her place to ask about them. Still, the way that this woman had phrased her questions made her wonder if she should inquire once she returned home. Glancing about, she noticed that there was a man looking their way, and if she was any guess he was undoubtedly a part of the Amestrian military. Shit. He may have been in the war, which means he might know her face. But she did not reveal her slight unease, instead having to gather her bangs behind her ears once more. Pesky things. "Would you like to get some coffee? I was just about to head to that cafe on the corner there. I suspect there is much that might be asked hm?" Gesturing to her previous destination, Vivian returned her gaze to Aren sincerely hoping that she wouldn't attack her. This was her vacation, for lack of a better word. And if death or fighting were to happen, she'd be rather upset.

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Jet was looking at the pair of women as they bumped into each other quite hard, feeling bad for not saying something before hand. He still couldn't think of who the woman with the violet hair reminded him of, but she was obviously Cretan, as was the woman she had bumped into. There was a way the first woman stood, almost as if she was nobility of some kind. It was bugging the crap out of Jet, as he normally had great memory when it came to people, faces, and names. Though he didn't recognize the second woman, there was something about her that made Jet quiver. The way she carried herself, she was obviously military of some kind. Seeing as how she was Cretan, she could be part of the Royal Task Force, but Jet dismissed this. A member of the CTF wouldn't be caught dead in a little town like this, she couldn't be. Probably Cretan standard military, perhaps Amestrian. A decent amount of his own forces were either part Cretan or fully Cretan. The fact that West City was only been out of Cretan control for a few years answered that question though. Jet shrugged and pushed the thoughts away, knowing suspicion was only good when needed. Right now, he didn't think it was. That was until he saw the first woman reach for her weapon.

The two had been speaking in Cretan, though he couldn't hear a word they were saying from this distance. Just as soon as the first girl got a good look at the second one though, she got instantly suspicious and kept her hand on her bat, as if she was ready to fight. The other woman slowly reached up to her purse, her movements proving she probably had some kind of weapon to defend herself in the bag. It looked like a showdown was going down in the middle of this town, and Jet was worried people would get hurt. The Major General put his left hand on the hilt of his blade and walked toward the pair, concern on his face and caution in his step. This needed to be resolved peacefully, and he wouldn't let it get bad on his watch. The second woman seemed to be trying to convince the first to not fight her or something, the other girl relaxing slightly but still keeping on edge. He looked back and forth at the two as he approached, making sure he kept right between them. "Good afternoon ladies, is everything okay over here?" he asked in his native tongue, knowing they'd both understand. There was both curiosity and concern in his voice. He didn't want to make it seem like he was here for trouble, that was the last thing he needed today.

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"Indeed I do. It is... alright, I will answer your questions." A sigh of relief. Aren let out a small sigh of relief, slightly relaxing the grip on her baseball bat at her hip, making careful sure that she didn't completely relax around her. If she relaxed completely, she may not live long enough to see this. She smiled softly, and watched the rather beautiful, raven-haired woman speak.

"Do not worry about it. I.. do work for Lord Dietrich. I'm one of his Royal Guards and 1st Lieutenant of the First Royal Squad." She stiffened at this statement. So, she was right. Her gaze lowered itself slightly, staring now at the woman's stomach as opposed to her face, watching her arms for any possible and sudden movements that may be made by this other woman. There was no possible way that she couldn't keep an eye out for this. She turned her foot on it's place, and made a small 'tch' sound with her teeth.

"I know not who you are I'm afraid, and I have no reason to capture you as far as I am concerned." All tension suddenly flowed from Aren's body as she relaxed completely. It was... alright. She didn't have to worry about it anymore, right? She looked up at Vivian and proffered a kind smile, knowing that she would be able to reveal herself safely, hopefully. If she could find a friend of some kind within Dietrich's reign, then maybe... Maybe she'd have a chance of getting this mess of a life sorted out so she could live with Celesto in peace...

"Would you like to get some coffee? I was just about to head to that cafe on the corner there. I suspect there is much that might be asked hm?" She steadied herself and nodded, standing up straight and showing off a sign that she was maybe... more of a person than she let on, for sake of a better term. She nodded softly and opened small pink lips to speak.

"Yes... I think th--"

"Good afternoon ladies, is everything okay over here?" More Cretan. The girl turned sharply to the man, and instantly realized who he was. She couldn't not recognize him, Jethro Black. The Head of West City, it seemed, was in Certa today, of all days. She chuckled and nodded at the man, proffering a kind smile.

"Everything..." She turned to the raven-haired woman and smiled brightly, "Is alright, thank you. And if I can trust you both, then I'll let you know my name, as a formality, of sorts. My name... is Euphemia. Euphemia Til Alexandros, but please... if you must, refer to me as Aren. It makes for a better disguise..." He voice was soft, as she looked at this woman. She needed to develop a branch of trust, and so using her real name... was something she'd use to make it better.

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The tension in the air began to slowly ease away moment by moment, she could sense it. Which meant she too, could relax. So she did. The grip of her hand upon the strap of her purse loosened as she leaned her weight upon one leg, once again thankful for her rather comfortable shoes. Maybe... Maybe she would be alright. Maybe she didn't have to be so uptight on this trip. After all, this was a rare vacation right? She should... enjoy herself. She still remembered how to.... she hoped....

Vivian briefly thought that there was increased tension at the mention of her rank, wondering if she should have also specified that she was a Crown Alchemist as well. Heh... she couldn't really call herself the leader of a squad anymore... Not with what had happened. She HAD no squad anymore, not unless more recruits were placed within it. It was probably happening as they spoke, and if not now then soon. No... the tension was gone. Yes, let it begone. She didn't wish to be its friend today. The whole war had been a bunch of tension, it had to be let go.

At the pretty woman's kind smile, all of her own worries ebbed away, finding a smile of her own rising to her lips. It could be infectious, and so it was. At least she agreed to coffee! Inwardly she chuckled at a brief thought that flittered across her mind. Now now, she must behave! This was hardly a date. Besides, she most certainly already had someone in her life. Call it a hunch. Patience would bring its own reward she supposed in the realm of love. And besides, she felt she must think ahead with such things for her families sake. Even if.... Well she wasn't sure what they would say to her about such things. It didn't matter right now.

Beginning to turn away to walk with Aren, she paused as the man she had noticed from before was now with them and speaking Cretan. This.... this could be bad. Would he throw her out if he found out what she was? Glancing to her lady friend, she could see the recognition in her eyes, wondering how well they knew each other. Her blue eyes rested calmly upon Jet again, forcing herself to appear relaxed. Yes... no need to send up any red flags. That would just be stupid.

Brightening up as well as she caught her lavender haired friends smile, she nodded once in agreement, her long hair swishing lightly at the turn of her head. Her name? Euphemia.... She wasn't sure if it sounded familiar or not. It felt like a red flag went up in her mind, but she couldn't be sure about it so she left it alone. A piece of info to ponder about later she suspected, maybe when she was back home. "Of course Aren, it's a pleasure. My name is Vivian Olivia Duchamp, but just Vivian is fine." Very well, if she used her real name, then so would she. To hell with the risks, they had a treaty now with Amestris anyways. She might as well appear the good person she could be. Besides, maybe they could show her something of Amestris that would overcome her initial distaste for it. People were people, she knew that. Prejudices.... they were never the smart thing. So extend the hand of friendship and see where it led you.

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She recognized him, the look she gave him made that obvious. Probably from the tabloids and the news reports, he was a hard guy to miss in his bright red armor. It was still bugging him that she looked so familiar, and he still couldn't remember who she was. Why was it irritating him so much? Suddenly, the woman in question began to speak to him. "Everything... is alright, thank you. And if I can trust you both, then I'll let you know my name, as a formality, of sorts. My name... is Euphemia. Euphemia Til Alexandros, but please... if you must, refer to me as Aren. It makes for a better disguise..." Was she speaking the truth!?! If she was, then fate was smiling on him today. A member of the royal Cretan family, the Alexandros family, was still alive! Indeed it had to be a miracle, he had heard they were killed in the uprising. Jet fought the strong urge to whip out his sword, stab it into the ground, and fall to his knees at the feet of the real heir to Creta. He kept the urge back however, and instead bowed his head deeply in acknowledgment. Disguise, she must be in hiding, most likely from the brute Dietrich and his goons. Understandable, as she was the only threat to his rule, besides Jet's blade severing his head from his body of course. If only if only...

Jet now focused on the other woman in their company. Her raven hair was quite astonishing, thought Jet preferred pink personally, or white. She was Cretan, that much he could tell at a glance. Just listening to her talk gave it away as well. What he was more interested in was the way she carried herself and that look in her eyes. Jet prided himself in his ability to read people just from their body language, and she was no exception. She carried herself like a noble, but her stance was ready and alert like an experienced soldier. Once she introduced herself as Vivian Duchamp, his theory was proved correct. She was a member of the Royal Task Force, that was certain. Normally that would make Jet worry, but with the recent treaty with Creta, he really didn't mind. People were people, and he shouldn't judge them for their covers. He would get to know these two women, it seemed to good thing to do. "I'm sorry for my rudeness, I've been a little on edge since the terrorist attacks. Oh how rude of me, I haven't introduced myself. It is nice to meet you ladies, my name is Jethro Black," he replied to them both, bowing his head.

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Hmmm.... Her locks got themselves flicked over her ear by an erratic left hand, and she sighed softly at the circumstances that she'd found herself in. To reconsider all of this: She was walking through the small town of Certa. It was basically the closest that she could get to Creta... without being in Creta. It was probably a foolish move on her part, making herself close to the man that supposedly wanted her dead, while being away from Celes... yeah, Celes. That niggling feeling in the back of her mind that was keeping her constantly updated on his situation. She was happy with him, and had no end of love for him... which meant that he'd stay alive, as per the agreement that she'd made with Truth. Now, as she walked through this place, she had come across this Raven-haired woman, who, through the ways of the world, had walked into her, as you did when the world itself was affecting you. Of course, Aren had been stupid enough to use her real name. But it seemed that neither this woman, nor the man who had just approached them, held any malicious intents towards her, even when having heard her real name... that was a good thing. It meant that her security was safe, even if she did report back to Dietrich. Letting out a soft sigh of relief, Aren smiled brightly as the woman in front of her introduced herself to her.

"Of course Aren, it's a pleasure. My name is Vivian Olivia Duchamp, but just Vivian is fine." She smiled. Good, good. That was always a good thing. She nodded briefly, and turned towards the man, in order to see if he would be able to properly introduce himself to her. His facial features seemed familiar. She knew who he was, but there seemed to be more to him, as if his entire facial shape was somewhat genetic to the man. Hum... and his reaction to finding out her name was a little suspicious. Not so much suspicious in terms of a wish to fight, more suspicious in the fact that he seemed to recognize her name. Ugh... that was the last thing she needed, you know?

"I'm sorry for my rudeness, I've been a little on edge since the terrorist attacks. Oh how rude of me, I haven't introduced myself. It is nice to meet you ladies, my name is Jethro Black," Another bowing of the head. She nodded in acknowledgement, and sighed. Those damn terrorist attacks... Shaking her head, Aren suddenly noticed it. That... she looked over at Jethro once more. Black... Cretan, a Cretan Black. One who had reacted suspiciously to her dropped name. That was... no, that was impossible. But she had to test the waters. No, she wouldn't do it here, but she would get around to it. She would have that question on the back of her mind at all times, until she asked him...

"Well, it's a pleasure to meet both of you," She smiled brightly and curtsied, before standing back up again and watching the pair through her kind blue eyes. No more suspicious looks. No more worrying. Now, it was coffee time. She chuckled, and looked over at Jethro, "Would you be willing to join us for coffee too, Mr... Jethro, of the Blacks?" She gave him a slightly knowing smirk, turning towards the direction of a nearby coffee shop, making sure that she had enough money in her pockets to be able to afford some kind of caffeinated drink.

Lord knows she'll need it.

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There was a reaction from the Major General to Aren's name, catching Vivian's eye despite the subtlety of it. There was something between the two of them, some sort of kinship in a sense that she was missing entirely. Heh, she noticed a rather amusing thing about the little trio that had now formed upon this Certa street. Each was highly analytical of the rest, casually looking over them all while making their unspoken judgments. Harmless in itself, but a point of some amusement.

Listening as Jet introduced himself, Vivian remained cool and calm, merely bowing her head in return to his introduction. Aye, she remembered that name from being briefed before the war had happened. A good man from what she could tell. The corner of her mouth twitched as she thought of what they may think of her lord. Should she really dwell upon such things considering she still didn't know the relationship between Aren and Dietrich? What in the world was he been hiding... She remembered when she first met him to receive her orders, the questions she had asked of him. What her duties were and the like. ”Your duties are rather simple. You are simply tasked with keeping the regal ruler of this great nation alive. Protecting my life comes first, and the country second. You are loyal to the throne, and answer to no one but me.” Her lips tightened as the rest drifted up slowly, giving a small smile to them both. "A pleasure." She murmured, the wheels within her mind turning steadily. ”Mind you, you are technically supposed to guard the royal bloodline as well, but I’m afraid that’s all a tad bit… complicated at the moment, so let’s not worry about that, shall we?”

Wait..... She turned towards the coffee shop with a calm exterior while the dam keeping her thoughts at bay began to crack. It had been strange then why he had phrased that statement that way, and it was stranger now. Especially given Aren's reaction to her earlier. "Do you work for Dietrich? If you do, do you know who I am? If you do, are you here to capture me?" Then it clicked. No... that possibility... It... She... Her hands had begun to shake as she looked onward down the street so that these new acquaintances of hers wouldn't see the look in her eyes. She had to keep calm, though considering how analytical they both were she didn't doubt that they probably picked up on it. No, no she had to receive confirmation before her thoughts ran while. Assumptions were best left at the door at this point. Careful treading would be required on this.

Calm was her best friend, call upon the refined Lady Duchamp that she could be. Turning back to the pair, her smile was easy and warm, adjusting the sleeves that climbed up her hands and hid her alchemy tattoos. "Indeed, it would be delightful if you might join us. If duty calls you hence, however, that is quite alright." Mmm, maybe a bit too flowery. Oh whatever, at least she could hold this persona for as long as need be, wishing for her heart to stop racing within her chest.

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