The Honour of the North (Part 2)
Sorry for the delay on the second part.
Here is the link to Part 1, and this is dedicated to the lovely Cate (@miladyknits). Thank you dear for the inspiration.
Summary: An injury to Edward Elric results in Izumi Curtis and her husband visiting Briggs. Olivier Armstrong isn’t too impressed by her visitors. When she finds out that Izumi was the woman who humiliated the Briggs soldiers over twenty years earlier, she decides that the honour of the North must be restored. With special appearences by Alex Armstrong, Roy Mustang and Riza Hawkeye.
Setting: Post Promised Day
The Honour of the North (Part 2) Olivier headed for her office, her hands balled and arms swinging. People scattered before her wishing to avoid her wrath. Her mind was spinning with the revelation. She knew it was only a matter of time before the news slipped to the whole fort. They were already buzzing about her visit.
Miles was completing paperwork at his desk when she entered the office. He stood up and saluted when she arrived.
Like a proper soldier. Briggs do things properly after all.
“You can sit, Miles.”
He dropped his pen and frowned. “Is there something bothering you, sir?”
“More like someone,” she muttered.
Lifting an eyebrow, he said, “Is it that alchemist?”
She sat down at her desk, leaned forward and steepled her fingers. “Alchemists are the bane of my existence: my fool of a brother, that bastard Mustang, the Elric brats, and now that Curtis woman.”
“Would you mind me asking why she bothers you so much, sir?”
“Apparently Curtis is the woman that attacked Briggs soldiers over twenty years ago. She made a laughing stock out of Briggs for a whole month, and I can't abide that. Something must be done.”
“Really? I thought that was nothing more than a story told to new recruits.”
“There’s definately a grain of truth of it. The previous General of Briggs never lived it down.”
“ Hmm - that's interesting.”
“Interesting? I wouldn't call it interesting.” She slammed her fist on the desk. “I've heard talk, Miles, from the men when they don't think I'm listening. Some of them wonder who would win in a fight.”
“Hardly sir. Surely there isn't any question that you would win.”
“Of course not, but her presence is unsettling my soldiers.”
She couldn’t have the Curtis woman insulting her men and showing her up. A slight against Briggs was a slight against her after all.
“What's to be done, sir?”
“I think a public show of strength would be the only way to silence them and settle any doubt once and for all. I will make her fall on her knees and beg me for mercy.”
“Are you sure that's wise, sir?”
She glared at him. “Are you doubting me now, Miles?”
He shrank back in his chair. “Of course not, sir.”
“Good.” She narrowed her eyes. “Briggs has been peaceful for many years now and the soldiers are becoming complacent. A reminder that their General is not to be trifled with is necessary.”
Izumi followed Miles down the nondescript corridors, their footsteps echoing in their wake. She was puzzled when she got a summons to the General’s office. Miles had a small smile on his face when he told her that the General wished to see her. She didn't know the man well, but like his superior he wasn't one to smile lightly and that, if nothing else, gave Izumi pause. For a moment, Izumi had been tempted to disregard the summons. It was not like she was a member of the military. As she was a visitor however, it would be impolite to refuse such a request. She also had to admit that part of her was curious.
When they arrived at the General’s office, Miles opened the door and gestured for Izumi to go inside. She looked around. The office was spartan. There was little opulent about the General’s taste apart from the swords on the wall. She wasn't sure if the swords were ceremonial or real. She suspected the latter given the type of no-nonsense person that the General was.
“You asked for me, General.”
Olivier was sitting behind a huge oak desk. “Sit!”
Izumi took the seat opposite while Miles hung back by the door, his arms crossed over his chest.
“I have a proposition for you, Mrs Curtis,” Olivier begun.
Izumi inclined her head, waiting for the General to go on.
“I propose a sparring match - some sort of competition.”
Izumi blinked. “You and me?”
“The last time you visited Briggs, you didn't meet me.” Olivier leaned forward in her chair. “Your exploits are still talked about, although I'm sure they have grown legs over the years.”
“This was first I heard about the rumours.”
Olivier scowled. “Will you live up your legend, Mrs Curtis?”
Izumi didn't miss the sarcasm in her words.
“I'm just a simple housewife.” She cracked her knuckles and smiled. “So, it would be an honour to take you on, General.”
“Forgive my impudence.” Miles stepped forward. “If I might suggest, both of you should be on a similar footing.”
Olivier handed Miles her sword. “In that case I suggest hand-to-hand combat. No weapons. No alchemy. What say you, Mrs Curtis?”
“Agreed.” Izumi inclined her head, “You have my word, I won't use alchemy.”
“Tomorrow after dinner, we will begin. The fight will take place in the hall.”
“You will need an impartial judge,” Miles added.
“Tchah! Judge or no judge, I'll bring her to her knees begging for mercy.”
“You're confident, General.”
“I thought you were a simple housewife.” Olivier curled her lip. “Should I be afraid of you, Mrs Curtis?”
“I suppose I’ll just have to make you respect me.” Izumi held out her hand. “May the best woman win!”
Olivier looked at her hand suspiciously. Izumi was about to withdraw it when Olivier took it and shook it.
“We both know that's going to be me.”
Her grip was like iron, but Izumi did not flinch. “We’ll see, General.”
By the following morning, the news about the potential face-off spread like wildfire throughout Briggs. The idea that General Armstrong had challenged the alchemist to a duel was a surprise, but it didn't stop the excitement from building. There was a buzz among the men, who were eager for their boss to put on a display they could be proud of. They were also looking forward to seeing the alchemist challenging their general. She had made quite the impression already on the men. Although any lustful thoughts were overcome by the sheer size of the woman's husband.
Oliver looked around, a satisfied smirk on her lips. The amount of onlookers was steadily increasing. This was exactly what she was hoping for - a chance to remind her men who was boss.
Miles walked towards her and saluted.
He leaned forward. “It looks like almost everyone has turned up.
She even suspected that Falman, formerly of Mustang’s unit, had started a book. There were soldiers going over and whispering in his ear. He had a little notepad that he was scribbling in. Olivier didn't care as long as they were betting on her success. There was no way that she was going to let this woman make a fool of her.
“You didn't think I was going to miss something like this!”
Olivier whirled around to see Roy Mustang, and his Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye a step behind.
“You! What are you doing here?”
Mustang widened his eyes in a boyish bemusement. “Have you forgotten our date, already?”
“You mean the meeting with the Fuhrer tomorrow.”
Mustang shrugged his shoulders, palms open. “I thought I would come early, and lucky for me you are in need of an independent judge.”
Olivier glowered. I really want to sock him.
“Lieutenant Hawkeye and I would be more than happy to step in as judges,” the man continues.
Hawkeye nodded her agreement.
“It's a reasonable suggestion, General,” Miles said quietly. “It would make sense.”
“All right. You can be our judge, but only after Mrs Curtis agrees to it also.”
She waved over the woman, who was watching the exchange from the other side of the room.
“Lieutenant Hawkeye and I have offered to act as judges for your uh duel.”
Curling her lip, Oliver shoved him out of the way as she passed him to get closer to Izumi.
She looked the woman in the eye. “How about it, Mrs Curtis. Do you agree?”
“Sure,” Izumi said. “It's a good plan. I'm sure they will be impartial.”
Hawkeye offered a hand to Mustang helping him up from where he had fallen on his ass.
Ignoring the fall, he straightened up and rubbed his hands together. “We're all set then.”
Turning around, he smiled at his Lieutenant, who remained as stoic as ever.
Olivier rolled her eyes as she caught sight of her idiot brother striding towards her.
“What’s this I hear about the a fight? What are you doing, Sister?”
“What does it look like, Alex? And for fuck sake quit calling me sister in public. You are only to call me by my title in Briggs.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea? Mrs Curtis is a visitor after all.” He leaned in and whispered. “It might be considered impolite.”
“Have you ever known me to care about social niceties?”
“Sister.” His blue eyes shone a little and he put his hand on his chest.
“Do you want me to remind you about what happened when I handed you your ass?”
“I remember it very well, Sis-”
She stepped hard on his foot. “It's General!”
“Must you be so uncouth. It's not very ladylike.”
“Do you ever do anything except harangue me? Find something useful to do, or even better go annoy Mustang. I owe him some pain.”
“What the hell is he doing here?” Edward scowled and ignored Mustang’s wave.
Izumi refrained from rolling her eyes. “Ed, Mustang has offered to oversee the competition.”
“Bastard,” Edward muttered. “He looks like he is enjoying himself too much.”
“Probably.” She surveyed Edward. “You're looking much better.”
There was more colour in his cheeks. Although perhaps that was the cold.
“A damn sight better than you're going to be!” He shook his head. “Have you a death wish, Teacher?”
“Ha! You think that woman can best me in hand to hand combat? She has no idea of who she is taking on!”
“I don't know. Weren't you both tearing up Headquarters on the Promised Day?”
She crossed her arms. “It's not my fault she’s underestimating me.”
Edward broke into a smile at something behind her. “Hey Major Armstrong!”
Izumi turned around to see the man approaching.
“Edward Elric! It's good to see you up and about.”
“I probably would have left by now if the contest wasn't taking place.”
Frowning, Alex looked to Izumi and and dipped his head. “Hmmm. Mrs Curtis, I feel I must apologise for my sister.”
“Why would you want to do that?”
Alex’s mouth opened a fraction, but he closed it again.
He turned to Sig. “Sir, it looks like your wife and my sister are going to duke it out for honour.” Izumi heard Alex address her husband.
Sig just nodded. “It's best to let my wife do as she wishes. She will do so regardless.”
That was why she loved him. He knew her so well.
Alex chuckled. “My sister is also headstrong. It is a good virtue in a married woman, but I fret about my sister, that she'll never find a husband.”
“It didn't stop me netting my man,” Izumi pointed out and and hooked her arm around Sig’s.
“Are you ready, Teacher?” Edward asked.
“As ready as I'll ever be.” She cracked her knuckles. “I'll wipe the floor with her.”
Miles beckoned Izumi forward, and she walked towards him.
“The General wants to start in ten minutes.”
“You tell her I'm ready whenever she is.”
When Izumi returned to her husband, he and the Major were comparing muscles.
Sig paused when he saw her. “Best of luck, my love.”
“I'm afraid I'll have to shout for my sister,” Armstrong said apologetically.
Izumi bit back a smile. “Of course, I understand.”
“Ladies, are you ready?” Mustang called.
Olivier didn’t miss Hawkeye’s arched eyebrow. It was good to see that even his got frustrated with the idiotic superior’s antics from time to time.
She whirled around and walked towards where Mustang and Hawkeye were standing. Izumi got there before her.
A hush descended on the room and all eyes turned to the centre of the room..
“Ready.” Olivier turned to Izumi. “Prepare to be trounced Mrs Curtis.”
Izumi bounced on the balls of her feet. “Not on your life, General.”
Hawkeye stepped forward and addressed the other two women. “General Armstrong, Mrs Curtis, there are only two rules. The first is that this is hand to hanbd combat only. The second rule is that you can’t kill each other. General Mustang and I will intervene if required.”
Mustang moved between the two women. “On the count of three, I’ll blow my whistle.”
Olivier bored into Izumi’s eyes. Neither woman wanted to be the first to look away.
He held up one finger. “One.” He held up a second. “Two.” He flashed a big smile and he blew the whistle around his neck.
The two women rushed at each other. Eyes wide, Mustang had to dart out of the way to avoid being bowled over again.
“Fool of a man,” Olivier muttered.
She was going to defeat Mrs Curtis and then she was going to challenge Roy Mustang for a duel and hand his ass to him.
To Olivier’s surprise it was Izumi that got the first direct hit. It wasn't very hard and Olivier used her momentum make another challenge by tripping her.
She's fast, she thought. And she has fancy skills, but you don't need them to win if you're clever.
“Come on ladies, you aren't trying very hard, are you?” Mustang teased.
Both women turned on him as one, and he took a quick step backward holding out his hands.
“Easy,” he said.
“Don't worry you imbecile,” Olivier sneered. “You're not worth our time.”
Izumi took advantage of Olivier’s distraction and swept her off her feet causing her to spin. She caught herself before she fell. Grunting, Olivier swung out her arm and struck Izumi hard in the chest. Izumi grabbed her by the upper arms and the two women went rolling on the ground.
The crowd whooped in delight. Izumi could just about make out the cheers from Edward and Sig above the deafening chant for the General.
This wasn't going to be easy. For every move one woman made, the other equalled or bested it.
Olivier just about had the upper hand in the struggle.
“I don't care if I have to play dirty, I'm going to win.”
“What are you-”
Izumi head butted her in the face. Olivier didn't flinch but it allowed Izumi enough time to move backward.
Both women stood up again ready to start it all over again.
Two hours later, the two women were still brawling. Both women were bloodied and bruised, but neither badly injured. Mustang and Hawkeye were watching the fight closely.
“I have to admire their stamina,” Mustang said.
Hawkeye inclined her head. “Although, almost everyone else here has gotten restless and left.”
“I don't think they even noticed.”
“It's probably time to step in, sir, before they both collapse in exhaustion.”
“I wholeheartedly agree, Hawkeye.”
Despite a brief break an hour ago for some refreshment, both women were showing no signs of winning the competition.
Mustang stepped towards the brawling women, Hawkeye at his heels.
“Ladies, I think we’ll have to call it a draw.”
Both women were unanimous in their disagreement.
Izumi shut her head. “No!”
“Shut up Mustang,” Olivier said, “I don't care what you think.”
Mustang raised an eyebrow. “You both sure you want to go on?”
“I'm willing to walk away once Mrs Curtis concedes defeat.”
“Not a chance I'm surrendering.”
Mustang yawned. “You do realise that most of the men have long since have abandoned you and gone to bed.”
Olivier looked around the hall and scowled. There were only a few of her men left including Falman, who was still scribbling furiously, and Miles of course. Her brother and Izumi’s husband were still there too as was the Fullmetal runt.
“How disappointing for you,” Mustang drawled.
Olivier had the urge to smash his face. That pretty boy wouldn't like that. Hawkeye was watching her, eyes narrowed. She didn't know how Mustang won Hawkeye’s loyalty, but even she recognised was a bond that wouldn't be severed lightly.
Hawkeye stepped forward. “I'm in agreement with General Mustang here, we don't want to wait here all night surely.”
Somehow coming from Hawkeye, the suggestion sounded a lot more reasonable.
The two women finally nodded albeit reluctantly.
“That's just what I said,” Mustang muttered throwing his arms in the air.
Hawkeye coughed. “Aren't you going to call it now, sir?”
“Of course.” Mustang blew his whistle. “I declare this competition a draw.”
The remaining spectators sighed in relief and clapped half-heartedly, having lost their enthusiasm a long time ago.
Izumi offered Olivier her hand. This time Olivier didn't dawdle. She took her hand and gave it a firm shake. She had to admit the alchemist was a worthy opponent.
“It was my pleasure to take you on, General.”
“Likewise.”
Oliver stepped away and turned her back on Mustang and Hawkeye.
“Come along Miles,” Olivier called over her shoulder.
She was exhausted, but she was damned if she was going to show it.
Fin
