OSPREY…SWOOOSH
UO: MAKAROV!
Makarov: What do you want?
UO: Your brats just blew up my studio again!
Makarov: You are exaggerating.
UO: Oh really? I have reports of fire and ice damage and water damage.
Natsu: Droopy eyes asked for it.1
Grey: You want to start.
UO: Shut Up! I also have reports of sword damage.
Erza: I was trying to stop them fighting
UO: Doesn't excuse you. What else…floor damage by a giant fist, wall damage caused by a dark colored attack and tiger scratches
Elfman: It was manly!
Mira: It was fun!
Lisanna: Sorry!
UO: And finally someone set off the cannon.
Lucy: In my defense I inadvertently got hit by Natsu and part of the fire that burned my clothes activated the cannon.
UO: Ugh…and you wonder why I don't update you guys often. Lucy go get another set of clothes. Someone do the disclaimer.
Erza: Fairy Tail is the intellectual property of Hiro Mashima. UO1991 is just borrowing his ideas. Lucy would be with Natsu and I… (Blushes) well at least Jellal would be out of jail.
UO: Denial is a river in Egypt. (Nearly gets impaled by several swords) Okay I'll stop. On with the show.
Normal: Talk
Bold: Yelling
'Italics': Thoughts
Telegrams orders and locations and Time
Journal entries
Chapter 8: The Peninsula campaign and the New General
April 10th X1862, near Yorktown, VA
Last time on the 2nd Magnolia, the Union forces under the Generals Connell and Dreyer won at the battle of Shiloh and after taking the town of Corinth controlled two major tributaries to the Oracion River. With the Sabretooth and Haru River, the Union had taken part of the Confederacy out of the war.
However, the battle had shocked both sides because of the bloodshed. The public thought that this was going to be a quick war and even a war to watch. This battle killed that notion quickly and in the minds of the leaders the war was going to be long and bloody.
Back in the east, Natsu and the men and women of the 2nd Magnolia Regiment were now gearing up for a much larger campaign. General Fernandez had ordered most of the army to move out. For months now, the President had been pressuring Fernandez to move out and attempt to defeat Gen. Johnston. There were several plans forwarded to him and even one were flanking was an option. But something in the general's head kept him from advancing; he was thoroughly convinced he was facing a larger force than he was contending with. It was only on presidential pressure he finally moved.
It became even more tantamount to move when it came to light that Gen. Johnston had been fooling the Union army for months with Quaker guns or guns painted to look like real guns. On top of that, they had slipped away unnoticed and taken up a stronger position closer to Richmond. Now with pressure from the press and the president, Fernandez started moving out. The massive force of over 120,000 troops, 44 artillery batteries and tons of equipment, wagons and horses. The plan called for them to go down the James River and attempt to take it by the river. With the Vermillion (Merrimack), the ironclad that fought the Monitor back in March, the Navy could not assure they could properly protect the massive force nor hold the two rivers, the Ren and Hibiki Rivers. (Real Life, York and James). As a result he took the longer route over land and marched to the tip of the Vermillion peninsula in attempt to overrun Yorktown. The town, most well-known for the battle that granted the United States of Fiore its freedom from Draconia, was now in the way of the Fiore military. Five days ago, one of the corps on the right flank encountered some of General Johnston's forces. Thanks to more deception on the part of the Confederates (A constant theme throughout the war), Gen. Fernandez ordered trenches built and the siege guns brought in after not pursuing a potential gap in the line.
This is where we find the 2nd Magnolia regiment. They had started to dig out trenches in preparation for a long siege. Many of those around the group grumbled at the work.
It was mid-morning when Natsu wiped his forehead. It was still early in spring but the weather was warm and all the exertion was making him sweat like crazy.
"You know when I signed up…I thought I was going to shoot people and have something to write home about. Not digging something so we could wait around." Natsu complained.
Grey who was wielding a pick axe could only laugh. "Well farm boy you would be used to playing in the dirt considering your farm.
Natsu grew a tic mark. "Well at least I know how to tuna breath. I bet you wouldn't know how to move dirt without getting wet.
"You take that back, horse kisser."
"Make me fish hugger."
"Both of you shut up." The gruff voice of Corporal Gajeel Redfox shouted. "Just keep digging and shut up. Otherwise the Major is going to get on our case."
The two boys sighed and kept on working.
Over by the tents, Major Erza Scarlet was going over field reports of the units under her command. Most of the units were from states closer to the capital. She had received word from command that several units that were supposed to come to the army were instead being held back to defend Crocus. This meant less troops for this campaign. But like many lower-ranked officers she was confident that with the force they had they could capture Richmond and end this war before more blood was shed.
"Major Scarlet?" The red head turned to see Lucy and Levy walking into her tent.
"Oh, Ms. Heartfillia, Ms. Mcgardeen. Please have a seat I'll put some tea on."
The two women took a seat as Erza made some tea. She walked over and sat down.
"What can I help you ladies with?"
Levy cleared her throat. "With the men hard at work on the trenches they haven't exactly had time to talk with them."
Erza nodded. "Ah that would do it then." She took a sip of her tea. "It's to talk to reputable ladies such as yourself. Ms. Mcgardeen I believe your family were librarians. Why did you accompany this regiment down here?"
Levy looked down. "Our town was known for empowering woman and giving women more freedoms. Case in point, Mr. Redfox is the son of a blacksmith. I was saved from thugs and I developed a close friendship. Mr. Fullbuster is dating the heiress of a shipping company despite being a fisherman. We were all close, friends even despite our personalities and our social status."
Erza looked at her cup. "I wish I had friends like that growing up. I grew up in a very rural area of New York. I was the eldest child of farmers. I have three younger siblings. I joined West Point shortly after the Veronica war and graduated 12th. This was my first real command. I know being from New Heaven I should be in charge of units from that state. It's probably why Dragneel, sorry Natsu, was made a Sergeant to inspire a sense of loyalty with the companies. Though because of the lack of fighting I haven't been able to see him lead."
Lucy smiled. "I'm sure he'll find a way to surprise you Major Scarlet."
Erza chuckled. "Ms. Heartfillia, sorry Lucy, you can call me Erza."
Lucy nodded. Erza pressed on. "So what about your home life Lucy?"
Lucy sighed and looked out the flap of the tent. Loke was digging alone. It was evident even in this camp that the stigma of being a Celestial was keeping Loke and Aries from interacting with the soldiers.
"I am the heiress of the Heartfillia Rail Company. My father built the majority of the railroads in and around the Crocus. He competes with the Vanderbilt family up North. I am an only child, but my father doted on me. My mother a beautiful woman, some say we're twins." She said remembering her mother.
"What about slaves? I know you live in Vermillion so you could have owned a few."
Lucy sighed. "We…do. Only four. And to be honest they are probably the most wonderful people celestial or white. If it wasn't for the laws we could have let them go."
Lucy chewed her lips. "Why is our country fighting? Is it because of the slaves or is it something else."
Erza sighed and looked at the top of the tent. "I…honestly don't know. I feel though the reason is the fact that we've been more of a coalition of states. Last I heard we had thirty-five states. Thirty-five different governments. Most do not support slavery and some do. We aren't the United States we are a bunch of countries with the mutual understanding of not attacking each other. This war broke that peace."
Erza stood up. "For what its worth ladies…I pray for your sanity and your safety. I fear before this war is out, you will see and take blood."
Lucy and Levy looked at each other and contemplated her words.
Erza walked over to Loke who was digging the trench. He noticed the Major walk up and he removed his hat. "Major Scarlet. A pleasure to see you. What bring you to a lowly peon like me?"
Erza looked at Loke who looked dirty but otherwise in good spirits. "Why aren't you working with the others? In fact where is the group that is supposed to be working this section?"
Now Loke looked conflicted. If he lied he would be punished and he did not know if Erza would punish him like Aries was punished. On the other hand telling the truth might ostracize him from the group. In end the truth won out.
"They said something about letting the Celestials do all the work. Said that's all I am good for. When I said I would bring it up with you, they also said they would not take orders from a red-head daughter of an Irish whore. (Red hair makes it seems she's Irish.)
Erza grew a tick mark. "Is that so Mr. Loke? For your information my parents are Scottish not Irish. Now then let's move you to another group."
"What about the soldiers?"
Erza gained a sadistic grin. "I am sure if they want to slack off they can put in extra time. Come." Erza said reaching a hand out. Loke reluctantly took it and was help out. "Let's take you a company that I think you'll be fine with."
The two walked over to where Natsu's team was working. "Dragneel."
Natsu perked up and looked to see his commanding officer. He saluted her. "Yes mam?"
She motioned to Loke. "Do you mind letting him work with you? Apparently some units think they can dump the work on him."
Natsu nodded and shivered. Erza's temper was legendary throughout the camp. Whatever unit pissed her off probably deserved it. Loke proceeded to jump down and with his shovel.
"Uh…hello Sergeant Dragneel." Loke said a little nervously.
Natsu shook his head. "If you think your status means we are superior, you would be wrong. We're humans just like you. We just have different backgrounds."
Loke smiled. "That's good. In all the chaos the last couple of weeks I did not get to meet the members of your unit."
Natsu smiled and introduced Loke to the rest of his unit. The next few minutes were spent working in silence and then Loke spoke up.
"You know if they allowed me I would be fighting with you guys." When their attention was on him. "My fellow celestials are enslaved here in this country. I was one of the fortunate ones to escape my master. But I will always live with these scars." Loke said as he raised his shirt. All across his back were angry red scars. "I took these for Aries. She was whipped mercilessly until I stood up to my master. I have a feeling she was violated, but the word of a celestial holds no water against those who control us."
Natsu looked at the marks. "Why…does our countrymen do this to themselves? Good lord is this what we are fighting?"
Loke sighed and put his shirt back on. "It's my dream to see our people at least treated humanely. It's nothing but a pipe dream. Both sides hate us."
Natsu looked at his friends as they put what Loke said into some perspective. Compared to what Loke and Aries went through the issues their town faced seemed pedestrian.
Up at the tent Erza had finished chewing out the unit that had ostracized Loke, members of 25th Minstrel, the state that bordered New Heaven to the south. She walked into her tent to see the pink haired Celestial bringing some light snacks for the ladies to munch on.
Aries looked up and gasped. "Sorry, Major Scarlet I was just bringing some food to Ms. Heartfillia and Ms. Mcgarden."
Erza shook her head. "Its fine Ms. Aries. Come sit. We were going to discuss where the war could potentially go."
Aries nodded and watched as Major Scarlet pull out a map. "So we are here." She said pointing her sword and then sliding it over to Richmond. "And our enemies' capital is here. We are trying to take Yorktown and hopefully overrun the army. But for some reason we are not taking the initiative."
Lucy looked at the map and pointed at the western side of the map. "If we intend to keep the enemy from fighting fully, perhaps we should eliminate its food source. The Grandeeny Valley is one of the main farming areas in Vermillion. I would think if I had the manpower they would try to defend that area."
Aries raised her hand. "Um…I can vouch for that. I was a slave in that region. That area is extremely fertile and more than likely is the only thing that could feed an army of this size."
Erza came to a realization. "That would mean any reinforcements might be split. I received word some of the units are heading back to the capital. But I think with the forces we have we should be able to win handily."
The girls continued to talk unaware of the many plans that were taking place on both sides.
Two months later May 30th X1862. Five Miles outside Richmond.
After nearly a month setting up earthworks in an attempt to siege the city of Yorktown, General Fernandez was surprised when he heard that Confederates had move to Richmond. Scrambling he move the entire army north to the Ichiya River which ran parallel to the Lyra. (Real life Chickahominy and Pamunkey Rivers). He set up the army northeast of Richmond and prepared to lay a siege on the capital.
Gen. Johnston was now in desperate straits. He had no illusions to the size difference between the two armies. If the Union were to lay siege on the city, the Confederates were done. So to prevent that he needed to trap the army against the river.
He had three pieces of knowledge that helped him. The first was that he had received word that one Corps of the Union Army was going to the Grandeeny Valley to stave off General Cheney. While a little worried he did not have his best general to help, he knew that area was important for food. The second is that the weather had turned the river into a barrier. The fields around the Ichiya were flooded over turning them into a swamp. The final thing was that General Fernandez was suffering from Malaria. Johnston winced at that. He wouldn't wish that Asiana disease on anyone.
Shifting his thoughts he thought back to the meeting with his generals. He told them what needed to done. The plan was complicated: He was going to have General James Longstreet and attack from the South of the Ichiya and use Nine Mile Road instead of attacking along his natural barriers and converge on the two Corps that were south of the river. Meanwhile the other generals, A.P Hill and John B. Magruder were to send divisions to launch a smaller attack on the northern three corps which were to divert attention away from the main attack. This plan required considerable timing and coordination.
A roar of thunder caught his attention. This storm was going to make things difficult tomorrow. This storm was really bad judging by the lightning.
Next day about 11:00 AM
Natsu was battling to keep his hat from blowing away and the guns from getting wet. The storm the previous night was massive and though the tents were protection from the storm it still gave him the goose bumps. He wrote in his journal that night.
May 31st X1862
We are weathering a storm that would make Grey hesitant to go out. I remember the storms we had we were younger. Wendy would snuggle up to mother and father and her big brother and we watch the storm pass. I miss them terribly. Storm has passed but wind is still strong.
Natsu Dragneel
Sergeant major, 2nd Magnolia.
He sighed as he walked out into the camp. After an hour of drilling while the men were checking their weapons, a commotion was heard.
"All units all regiments, the enemy has attacked to the south. We need to move to engage now!" Shouted the general of their corps, General John Sedgewick.
Lucy looked at the scrambling troops in a panic. "What's going on Mr. Dragneel? Everyone is looking like we are being invaded."
Natsu looked up at Lucy. "We are, the Rebels are attacking from the south. We need to move now. Ms. Lucy stay close."
Lucy nodded as the officers mounted their horses. Soon enough the division was moving briskly. There was just one problem. To defend their position, the Rebels had burned all of the major bridges. Only way to cross it was through the very treacherous Grapevine bridge.
Gajeel looked at the bridge and swore. "That bridge is going to collapse thanks to all of this rain!"
"Then how are going to get across!"
Gajeel scratched his chin. "Wait…if we can hold all of the weight down with the men and equipment we could potentially get everyone across."
Natsu nodded and turned to Erza. "Sir!"
"Already sent a messenger to the general let's move people!" Erza yelled. Soon the reluctant troops started to carefully make their way across the river. Natsu's company stayed behind to coordinate the movement, except for Elfman who took both Lucy and Levy across the bridge. Once enough troops were across, Erza ordered the rest of the group to move, save for Natsu as the bridge started to buckle.
"Dragneel what the hell are you doing?"
"I am not leaving you behind Major. Come on!" Natsu called out as they started to run across the bridge. The bridge began to buckle in front of them and they were forced to jump to avoid being swept away. The landed on the edge of the bridge with their equipment threatening to pull them into the waters. They were saved by their regiment who was watching them cross and pulled them in.
Catching their breath after the soldiers moved aside, Erza turned to Natsu. "Why did you that?"
Natsu smirked. "No man or woman left behind sir. Come on we need to go help our comrades."
Erza had her mouth open but closed it and nodded. They marched onto the battlefield with everyone accounted for.
About 6:00PM
General Johnston scowled as he observed the battle. Everything in his plan outlined the previous evening was not going to plan. General Longstreet had marched that morning but went down the wrong road. He also had in his planning failed to specify a time and as a result two of his attacking divisions had failed to move out. However he did not even know that the battle had started due to a trick of the terrain muffling the sounds of battle until General Longstreet sent him a message two hours ago.
Now looking over the battlefield he could see that whatever advantage his army had was gone. He heard about the earlier collapse of the line but the reinforcements from the Union side had started to push them back. Now they were at a stalemate with the Union army having the momentum.
Just as he was about to give another order, a searing pain hit his right shoulder. He looked and saw a musket ball in his shoulder. Before he could yell, a shell landed near him and shrapnel shattered two ribs. He fell unconscious injuring his shoulder in the process.
With their leader out of commission command of the army was up in the air. Soon the battle wound down and both sides retreated. The battle for the Seven Pines had ended inconclusively with over 5,000 casualties for the Union which were 790 killed, 3400 injured and 648 captured or missing. The Confederates had 6134 casualties with 980 dead 4,749 wounded including General Johnston and 405 missing or captured.
The battles had more far-reaching consequences. When General Fernandez observed the scene he was disgusted by the amount of carnage. Writing to his wife he said. "I am sick of seeing all of this carnage, with all the wrangled dead and dying." To prevent what he perceived was more bloodshed he moved everyone save on Corps south of the river losing a probable chance to win this war.
For the Confederacy, the stage was set for a legend to be born.
Richmond June 2nd X1862
Confederate president Zeref Davis was in a desperate situation. With the injuries of General Johnston and the death of Jose Porla, he was now in need of a general that his army can really around at least in the East. The question was who. He could try General Rouge "Stonewall" Cheney but with the current reports of the Grandeeny Valley in jeopardy he needed him there.
He then thought of his assistant, General Sting Eucliffe. Zeref was lucky to have him at the moment as the only reason he even was with the Confederacy was because Vermillion had joined them, at least that was the reason given to him. In any case his current record was a little spotty as had been defeated in the pro-union West Virginia. Then when Eucliffe was in Savannah, Gardenia earlier this year, he had held the city against repeated federal attack and secured the city for the future.
The main issue with Eucliffe at the moment was the public's perception of him in Richmond. He had this obsession with digging trenches and had raised doubts about his leadership ability Zeref snorted; West Point was slacking in their teaching if this was what they taught.
A knock on the door shook him from his thoughts. "Enter."
The door opened to reveal the middle aged blonde man in question. After saluting, General Eucliffe stood at attention awaiting his commander in chief's orders.
"General Sting Eucliffe. I do not whether to send you home for incompetence or praising you for your forward thinking."
Sting looked at President Davis. "I only am doing this in the event that the Union finally reaches us."
Zeref shook his head. "Whatever is the case we now face a dilemma. I do not have a commander for this army. My first choice General Cheney is currently guarding the Grandeeny Valley so I decided to turn to you. What say you, General Eucliffe?"
Sting breathed out. "I only joined the Confederacy solely because my beautiful Vermillion joined your ranks. However as long as Richmond is threatened I will fight for you."
Zeref nodded. "Very well, the army is about 10 miles to the southeast. Go Major General Sting Eucliffe."
Sting saluted and headed out the door to ride out to the front line.
One Month later June 25th, 1862
Sting looked at the army he had gathered. With experienced troops from General Cheney he had now 92,000 troops and was prepared to use it to force an offensive. But this was extremely risky; with the Union straddling the Ichiya River he committed all but two divisions into attacking a flank, leaving two divisions against a vastly superior force.
His scouts had reported back that the Union had advanced through a swamp and thanks to General Stuart's division it held off the Union advance. His plans the next day called for General Cheney to advance at Beaver's Dam Creek which was the north Flank with Longstreet supporting, while General Magruder was to deceive the army. If this plan worked, Richmond would be out danger. He turned in for the night ready for the next day.
Two Days Later
Natsu and his unit were now worried. The Confederates had attacked the previous day and most of the army had collapsed into a semicircle north of the Ichiya River. There were rumors that the army was changing its headquarters but in his mind that made no sense. They should be attacking he had a gut feeling. Instead he and his friends were now facing the direction of Richmond, tense and ready to fight.
His thoughts turned to Ms. Heartfillia. She was left back at the camp near the headquarters. He hoped she was ok same with Levy.
His thoughts were broken when they heard movement in front of them.
"Stand your grounds, you are the defenders wait until they get close!" Major Scarlet shouted.
Natsu gulped and looked down his sights. He then saw multiple people trudging up the hill. The rebels were attacking en mass with possibly the largest group he had seen.
"Hold!"
Those closer to the action started firing but Natsu's regiment held. They got to a decent range and then Erza turned them loose. Within moments the battlefield had become clogged with smoke.
Natsu was reloading his rifle watching his position. He saw a member of the New Heaven regiment get cut down. He swallowed down his bile as he replaced the rod and pulled the hammer back. He looked for his friends. Elfman was with the artillery firing off one of the shells. He could see Gajeel's black hair as he stabbed one of the rebels. He couldn't see Grey either. This was getting out of control.
His ears heard something approaching and turned to see one of the rebels charging at him with his bayonet raised to stab him. He pulled up his rifle to block it and they clashed. They went back and forth until Natsu spun and knocked him to the ground. Running on pure instinct he drove the bayonet into the man's chest. Natsu could only watch as the light left his opponents eyes. He didn't have time to think he had to fight to survive. He turned and fired his round into the back of another grey shirt rebel presumably killing him. He reloaded again and he attempted to rally some of the troops around him.
Several hours later the Union line collapsed and the Union was forced to fall back. In this battle later called Gaines' Mill, the Confederates won their only victory of the campaign. But it was enough to force General Fernandez to retreat to the horror of all of his advisors who kept telling him to attack especially when scouts had told him that he had the forces to win. The deception by Magruder had been extremely effective and Richmond was spared from further attacks in the near future.
In what would become known as the Seven Day's Battles, The Union had a total of 15,855 casualties; 1,744 killed, 8,066 wounded, 6,055 missing or captured. The Confederates had a larger causality count with 20,204; 3,494 killed, 15,758 wounded and 952 missing or wounded. But the effects of the battles had far-reaching effects. What started out as a promising campaign to end the war had ended in complete failure and forced the Union back to Crocus, destroying morale in both the press and in the army.
In the Confederate army, morale by contrast was at all-time high being able to force back the Union army. The press made Sting a hero and he was given full command of the armies in Vermillion.
But because of these actions, the war would continue. Sting now aware of the Union hesitation made plans to head North in attempt to go around the Union army at Crocus. This campaign in Laylaland will change the scope of the war and will challenge what it means to fight. What will happen? Follow the 2nd Magnolia next time.
End of chapter
UO: Nine days for five thousand words. God I feel like an idiot.
Terms
States
Minstrel: Pennsylvania
Locations
Grandeeny Valley: This is the Shenandoah Valley. A very important food production area for the Confederacy. There was a campaign to take it out but Stonewall Jackson kept it from happening.
People: All names are actually people save one very important person.
Robert E. Lee: This is the character Sting Eucliffe plays. Prior to him taking control of the Army of Virginia, he was a loyal officer to the U.S. The only reason he fought for the Confederacy was because the state of Virginia, at the time having one state, had sided with the Confederacy.
Battles
The two battles mentioned here are the Battle of Seven Oaks and the Seven Days Battles part of what was called the Peninsular Campaign. Seven Oaks allowed for Lee to take command for the duration of the war. Seven Days was the first major operation the Confederates were successful on as they defended Richmond and kept it from being invaded for the time being.
Preview: As General Eucliffe puts pressure on Crocus, the President demands action and competent commanders. Then they head north into Laylaland in order to get food. But this campaign is heading towards a bloody showdown. How will it all work out find out as the war for Earthland continues.
Next time: The Laylaland campaign
Please Review. On Deck is Bleach Grand Prix
Please Review flames will not be tolerated. Also check out my pals, Lalapie203, Spartan719, Code-Emperor07, Kurogane 7, Soleneus, NorthSouth Gorem Soulsilverlord, Vanishing Raptor, Kage Bijuu, Giratina Zero EvashinobiKaiserKnight and Kamen Rider Super-fan I help on a lot of their works.
