OSPREY…SWOOOSH
UO: Alright then, time to get muddy. Actor Check!
Lucy: I don't like the sound of that.
Natsu: Afraid of getting dirty?
Lucy: Of course I am, I am a lady
Grey: What lady loses her clothes as often as a stripper?
Natsu: Takes one to know one.
Grey: (Down to his boxers) OH COME ON!
Natsu: (Laughs) That's what you get!
Erza: DO I HEAR FIGHTING?
Natsu and Grey: N-N-NO
UO: Let's go before…(BOOM!)
Female Voice: MY HAIR! YOU BASTARDS!
UO: (Narrows eyes at Natsu and Grey) What did you do?
Natsu: Uh…burned some of this blonde's hair that I thought was Lucy.
UO: God damn it, I got to find Ruby. DISCLAIMER QUICK!
Lucy: UnitedOsprey1991 doesn't own Fairy Tail only the plot. He makes no money and wants to tell the story of his country's greatest conflicts through his own interpretation. He also means no disrespect to the dead or the men who defend our country.
UO: Thank you. On with the show
Normal: Talk
Bold: Yelling
'Italics': Thoughts
Telegrams orders and locations and Time
Journal entries and letters
Chapter 12: Battle of Fredericksburg
October 10th X1862, Providence Magnolia
When we last left the Fiore Civil War, both sides were taking stock of their forces after the grueling Battle of Antietam. The Union had undergone a shift of commanders after General Fernandez was unceremoniously fired and thus President Lincoln was looking among the corps commanders. Meanwhile, after Antietam, the Confederates launched raids into Sabretooth and Enca and had unfortunately been rebuffed, the Union's position secured in those states. With the lull in the battle, the soldiers had taken the time to send letters to their loved ones.
In the local pub in Providence, Mirajane Strauss was wiping down the bar. It was still early in the day, but the regulars would come in around noon. It was tough work with her brother but Lisanna had been an immense help and so had Romeo.
Speaking of her baby sisters, Lisanna came in with the last set of glasses she had washed. "Here we are sister, the last of the dishes and glasses.
"Thanks Lisanna. You can unlock the doors now."
The younger girl nodded and opened the door. Almost instantly, Romeo burst through the door.
"I am so sorry I am late Ms. Strauss!" He panted.
Mira giggled. "It is alright, Romeo, we just opened up. Hurry up get behind the bar.
Soon enough the bar filled up with many of the regular patrons. The main topic of discussion was the war and how it still had not ended in two years. About an hour into the rush, the Dragneel family came in. Romeo lit up at the sight of the young woman. At 14 years old, young Wendy had retained the innocence he loved but it add been combined with her mother's beauty. Her hair had gotten a little bit longer, resulting in her hair being tied up, but something told him she would be better with it down.
Wendy saw Romeo working the bar and smiled. "Hello there Romeo!" She called out bounding up to him.
"Wendy, great to see you again." Romeo beamed. He turned to her parents. "Mr. Dragneel, Mrs. Dragneel. A pleasure to see you again."
Igneel laughed. "Now Romeo, you don't have to address us like that. We are essentially family in arms, with my boy and your father fighting to keep our country intact."
This got one of the patrons to snort. Igneel turned to him. "Is there something you want to say?"
The man got up. He was about Igneel's height with red hair. His face told them he might have some Irish heritage.
"Yeah…I got something to say. This Union army is a joke!" He exclaimed. "They've been fighting these rebels for over two years and what has happened? They can't win a bloody war against them and what are doing it for? Those Celestials?"
Igneel frowned. "Sir, I would advise you to leave. Most of us here have someone fighting in the war.
The man snarled. "Well then I would be ashamed of your boys. They haven't done anything worthwhile. In the time they've been fighting, they should have taken Richmond or crush the army. Instead, you are holding out hope that they come safely. If they ever have a home to come to. If they were my boys, I would kick them out."
Igneel slammed the table. "I don't know who you are, but you do not come into this establishment and insult their families."
The man tched. "I don't care I am telling the truth."
Mira had enough. "Sir, I am kindly asking you to leave. You are clearly upsetting other people here, and more importantly, you are breaking their families' hearts. We have a brother fighting in the war and I will not have your slander our names."
He turned to Mira. "Well your brother is dying for nothing. I wonder if we can get our flag modified."
Mira growled and was about to slap the man, but someone beat her to it.
SLAP
The whole bar went silent as they turned to see who had slapped the man. It wasn't Grandeeny or Lisanna or even Wendy. It was Juvia, who had walked in as the argument was getting heated with Lyon. She had come to the bar because she had gotten a letter from Grey and the tone of the letter upset her.
She didn't know what prompted the argument, but as she was listening, it became apparent he was slandering the good name of not only her friends but her courter. So she marched up and slapped the man's face.
"Listen here. Our friends and family volunteered to go to war. While you sit at home and complain. I do not care if you don't believe in the cause they fight for. I do care if you slander their names to boost your own ego," Juvia growled. She took a quick look at him and smirked. "You seem to be in good shape. I think the recruiters are at the town hall."
The man started to sweat. "N-No way. I don't want to be killed for something pointless!"
"Then shut up! If you choose to not fight, then you have no reason to slander those who do. They are fighting to keep this country intact. Do not disrespect them. Especially my Boyfriend, Sergeant Grey Fullbuster!"
The man gulped and turned to see the rest of the bar ready to throw him out. He decided to make a tactical retreat and left.
"Hold it!" Mira called out. "Pay Up for the drinks!"
He immediately dropped the money on the floor and scrambled out of the restaurant.
Mira sighed. "God, you think they would keep their mouth shut. Thank you Juvia."
Juvia looked at the white haired barmaid. "It is fine Miss Mira. I have just…been on edge today."
Mira looked curious. "Whatever for?"
Juvia took something out of her purse. "My darling Grey sent me a letter. The first time since August. I was overcome with worry and I am glad he is alive.
Mira gasped. "Oh yes. Elfman wrote a letter as well. Mr. Dragneel, has anything come from your son? Lisanna can you go our dear brother's letter."
Lisanna nodded and headed upstairs. Juvia opened up the letter. "The letter he wrote was worrying. Here is his most recent words
September 22nd X1862
Outside Crocus
To My Dearest Juvia
Has it really been a year since I saw you last. You must be worried sick for me. I sincerely hope that Lyon is treating you well. The reason I have not been sending letters is because we have been marching for the last month or so in an attempt to corral the Rebels.
We took part in this large battle. We had been separated from our branch and we were near where the fighting started. Gods it wasn't a battle, it was a blood bath. We saw men burned alive, blown to pieces, I was lucky I didn't stab any of my comrades. We were fortunate most of us survived the battle. We were told that we had won because our enemy conceded the field. But I don't feel like we won.
Juvia, there were times in our campaign that I felt like ditching this fight and going home. But there were multiple things that kept me here. One is that our friends would probably kill me before I got home. Two my family would probably never speak to me again. But, the thing that kept me here, is you Juvia. If I left, I would be shaming you. I can deal with my friends hating me and my family shunning me. But nothing would kill me more than seeing the disappointed look on your face.
Gods, this war has taught me to cherish my life. When we win this war, yes I said when, I will be counting the days to when I see you again. I will return to you Juiva. Then we can settle down and have those kids your always dreaming of. I want to see them too. Heck I would watch them with Iron head and Farm Boy.
Until then, keep me in your prayers and tell Lyon that he is doing a good job.
Love
Grey Fullbuster
Sergeant, 2nd Magnolia. Company B
Mira's squeals were deafening. "Such passion. He must really love you Juvia, if he's talking about kids like that.
Juvia was close to fainting but Grandeeny caught her and fanned her face. "Grey~~!" She swooned. "I must stay strong for him! I must support him!"
Everyone smiled at her enthusiasm. Lyon smiled. "Grey better come home or I will kill him myself!"
They all laughed as Lisanna came down the stairs. "Here sister. Elfman's letter arrived yesterday.
Mira opened the letter and read it quickly, gasping at certain things.
"Mira?" Lisanna asked.
Mira snapped out of it. "My apologies." She cleared her throat.
September 23rd, X1862
Crocus
To my Dearest Sisters,
How are you doing? I hope the bar is doing quite well. How are our families and friends? I bet they miss us dearly.
As for me sister, I am sorry to say that is war is no longer man vs man. What I say during the most recent battle was nothing short of utter slaughter. We were sent out ahead by our commanding officer and we observed the beginnings of the battle. Sisters, I am glad you weren't there to see this battle. I swear I saw body parts and I am not sure who I shot at, the smoke was that bad.
To make matters worse, we did a roll call of our regiment post battle. Ten didn't answer. Ten families are never going to see their sons alive again. And we couldn't find some of their bodies or their effects. I pity the rebels not being able to see their families again, considering they probably are just as far from home and were probably drafted much as we were.
Why are we fighting sisters? That is the question that is plaguing all of us here at the regiment. I sincerely hope this war ends soon. This is starting to wear on all of us. But we will persevere until we do.
Love Your Brother
Elfman Strauss
Artillery 2nd Magnolia, Company B
P.S Please send my regards to Evergreen.
As Mira read the letter, the doors to the bar opened up. In stepped an upper class woman with brown hair, glasses, her body clad in a green body hugging bodice and green skirt with three inch heels. In her hand was a purple feather fan and was carrying a green parasol. This was Lady Evergreen Meridian, one of the local school teachers and heiress to one of the shipping companies. Unlike most of her class, she did not mind conversing with those below her, though she gave off an arrogant air.
"Miss Strauss. How delightful to see you!" She smiled as she held up her fan.
Mira returned it recovering from reading her letter. "Lady Meridian. A delight as always. Do you want your usual?"
"Please darling. After dealing with the ladies of my social circle, its nice to talk to some real people." Evergreen groaned and sat down. She looked at Mira. "What is ever the matter dear? You look like someone died."
Mira stopped pouring her wine. "Sorry, Elfman just sent a letter and it is a little disturbing so to speak."
"May I?" Evergreen asked to see the letter. Mira handed it to her and the upper-class woman read the letter. She started to shake as she read it and almost crumbled the letter.
"That buffoon. He should be more concerned at fighting the rebels not worrying about me," She replied taking out her handkerchief to dab some of the tears coming out of her eyes. "He better come home safely."
Lisanna giggled. "Is that concern for a handyman, Lady Meridian?"
Evergreen scoffed. "Of course not, he's just helped me a lot with the school and I am concerned about his safety."
The women giggled as Wendy approached her. "Its alright Miss Meridian. We miss him too."
Evergreen smiled. "Thank you Ms. Dragneel. Has your brother sent you anything?"
Wendy nodded. "Yes. Father and Mother have it."
Igneel smiled and pulled out the letter. "Natsu's penmanship seems to have gotten better. Must have been writing in the journal of his."
"Or he found a girl," Lyon muttered.
"Oh please, Natsu wouldn't notice a girl if she hit him on the head," Grandeeny replied as Igneel started to read.
September 23rd, X1862
Crocus
Dear Mother, Father and Wendy
How are you all doing? I am doing well. Or as well as I can be. We have just taken part in a humungous battle. The chaos of what we saw will haunt my memories. We were sent to scout out the rebel forces and we were caught in the early battles of this conflict. Gods, the battle…I saw people burned alive and I nearly shot a couple of our own men. I also had to shoot someone that nearly killed our companion.
I guess I never told you about our newest companion. Her name is Lucy Heartfillia. In our first battle last year, she had gotten caught in the battle because it got too close to her house. Unfortunately, her house is in Vermillion, so until this war is over she will be in our care. She is such a beautiful lady, based on she told me about Celestials, she grew up on a plantation. It's a shame such a wonderful woman is above my social class. If there was one person that has kept me sane, it is her.
Gods, Father, is this how you felt when you met mother. Sometime I just want to run away from this war with her. But my honor tells me to see this battle through to the end and get her to her parents. Who knows what will happen when this war ends. But I will see it through, to hell and back. Excuse my language.
Wendy, Happy is doing fine and has become the unofficial mascot of our division if you can believe it. I hope you and Romeo are doing alright. Rumors going around that if our current commander cannot get his act together, he's going to be replaced. We do not know who will replace him, but I think General Conbolt could be in the running for the lead general. But whoever it is, they might me reluctant to commit more troops after the debacle the other day.
Mother, Father, Wendy, you will be in my thoughts until I come home or until this war is over.
Love your Son and Brother
Natsu Dragneel
Sergeant, 2nd Magnolia Company B
Grandeeny was in a near faint. "My boy is noticing girls. Oh my lord, I could have grandkids."
Evergreen though folded her fan. "Heartfillia huh."
Mira noticed her gesture. "You know the family Evergreen?"
The brunette adjusted her glasses. "They are one of the railroad magnets in Vermillion. Father did some business with them to ship our goods to the interior. As a family, they aren't one of the families that would mistreat their slaves. If I know them, they would probably be far from the battlefield. Miss Lucy must have gotten lost in the confusion."
Mira clapped her hands. "Oh such a cute story. A soldier from the north and a southern lady meet as if by fate when the war breaks out. That is a story worth writing about!"
Lisanna shook her head. "Mira, not everything is a fairy tale."
Grandneey recovered. "I hope he's treating her well, regardless of her class. Anyway, let's see if we can send them some early Christmas goodies."
The others in the bar quickly agreed and soon the bar went back to business as usual.
Crocus November 5th X1862
President Lincoln was normally a patient man. For a career in politics it was quite necessary, especially with the vultures in Crocus and the current war. However, what he had been told in the last two days had snapped his patience. Despite him assigning a new second in command to General Fernandez, he had not moved against the rebels and maintained his position near the capital. The paper in his hands was his orders to remove General Fernandez from command and had summoned General Macao Conbolt to talk with him about potentially taking control. General Conbolt had informed him of his reservations to take over the Army, so Lincoln invited him to the White House.
A knock on the door shook him out of his thoughts. "Enter."
General Conbolt stepped into the tea room. He saluted his commander in chief. "General Macao Conbolt, Ninth Corps reporting as requested sir."
The president smiled. "Ah yes, General Conbolt, have a seat."
The General sat down and poured himself a cup of tea. "I don't think you called me here for pleasantries."
Lincoln hummed as he took a sip. "Right down to business. Right, well first I think this would interest you," He said holding the paper in his hand up to Macao.
The general took the paper and read it. "Orders to relieve General Fernandez of command of the Army of the Potomac. That will probably end his career you do realize."
"If you cannot do your job, you don't deserve it." The President replied. "With General Fernandez no longer in command, someone needs to take over."
Macao slowly widened his eyes. "Sir, you could not possibly mean me do you?"
The president looked at him seriously. "Of all the generals, you are currently the highest ranked general without political aspirations. I think you would be a good leader.
Macao tried to backpedal. "I thank you for your confidence but I can't lead that size of an army. I'm content with being a corps commander."
Lincoln. "I see. Well then, I suppose the next available officer to lead would be General Cracy."
This stopped Macao's thoughts. There may not be much agreement among the corps commanders, but General Cracy leading the army would be an unmitigated disaster in his opinion.
"Maybe I was too hasty in denying that promotion, Mr. President. I will…think of some plans to push forward."
"See that you do," Lincoln replied and the General took that as an excuse to leave, giving the president some time to think.
November 25th, X1862, on the Rappenhauck River, General Conbolt's camp
Macao looked at his map with a sigh. His plans which would hopefully take him straight into Richmond and end this war. The plan was complex for the army. Instead of attack directly, he would feign attack up the river. The goal would be to convince Lee that the push would come from the north of Fredericksburg. Then while he was figuring where to place his troops, he would charge across the river using steel pontoons to ford the river and allow artillery pieces to reach the opposite shore.
When he had proposed this plan to Secretary Hallack and President Lincoln, they had some reservations. They all knew that General Eucliffe was much smarter to fall for what Conbolt had planned. But unlike the previous commanders, at least he had the guts to advance on the general.
Almost as soon the plans were approved, they went awry. He expected the pontoons to be ready by the 9th, but there was a breakdown in communication. The message to request these steel barges was delayed in getting to the chief of supplies. Some of the needed pontoons were ready according to the commander of the 50th New Heaven on the 15th, but the horses needed to move them were nowhere to be found forcing them to move down the river banks without the necessary materials.
To make matters worse, the autumn rains had arrived and turned the ground to mud, bogging the artillery down and making the miserable. One of the commanders had told him he could scatter the 500 or so men that were across the river in town. But he vetoed that idea as he feared the floods would cut them off from support should the Confederates attack them.
His musings were cut short when a messenger arrived.
"General Conbolt, your request has arrived."
Macao smiled, the first piece of good news all month. The messenger led him to where the pontoons were placed.
"Great, so how many do we have?" He asked the quartermaster.
"Uh…Only one sir. I was told the others would be arriving soon."
Macao cursed. Even if he could move with the manpower he had, the rebels would surely have scouted out the potential offensive by now.
"We will wait until all of the pontoons are here then we will hit them by going straight into town!" Macao ordered.
The men saluted and immediately followed his orders. Macao looked across the river, knowing his plans needed to be changed quickly.
On the Confederate Side of the River, Four Days Later.
General Sting Eucliffe was in a confused state. He knew that an attack was coming and he was preparing to move his army up to the next defensible position on the North Karen River. But the slow movements had left him enough time to get not only his division but General Longstreet's division as well. He had sent word to General Cheney who was in Winchester to get his division to Fredericksburg as fast as possible. This was done with the knowledge that President Davis did not want fighting so close to Richmond.
As he contemplated his moves, he heard a commotion coming from the camp. He walked out and to his surprise he saw his second in command riding up to him.
"General Cheney? What are you doing here? I did not think you could reach us so quickly," Sting told his friend."
Rouge smiled. "I had a feeling the Union would be making some sort of move. So I have my men march as fast we could."
"A Hundred miles in four days!? That is beyond reckless. Never mind, get your men some food and then position them along the river as best you can."
Rouge nodded and rode off. Sting looked back over to the Union side and then rode off to discuss the battle to come.
December 11th, Mid Afternoon
Natsu lowered his spyglass. The 2nd Magnolia had been ordered to defend the artillery barrage that would allow those trying to cross the river to get into the city. It mean that while Elfman got a chance to shine, it meant that the regiment would be in the reserve. That didn't mean they were any less important. Where they were positioned meant that if there were any other reinforcements, they could pin them down, or in the event of a retreat, cover their allies.
"Anything to report?" Gray asked from behind his friend.
Natsu sighed. "No, our forces haven't tried to retake the river since this morning. Marksmen has been keeping us at bay."
The army had tried to get across the river this morning. But sharpshooters had kept them at bay and forced back across the river. Unknown to the regiment their commanders were arguing with General Conbolt about charging forword. He had advocated advancing but when one of his officers offered his men to take the town, he hesitated as he did not want to send his men in under what he thought was a well guarded position.
Natsu's musings were cut short when a messenger rode up to Colonel Scarlet. The red haired officer looked at the messege and nodded to the messenger. She turned to the artillery. "Ready the Guns!"
The artillery began to line up next to each other in preparation for the barrage. Natsu turned to his commanding officer. "Colonel what are our orders?"
Erza pointed across the river. "We are going to try to cross the river again. This time we are going to keep the sharpshooters pinned down as the engineers construct the bridges. The first units on this side should be able to take the town. Let's move people!"
The artellery was quickly moved into position. At Erza's signal, the canons fired into town. The strategy worked as three regiments had crossed in their sector, the 7th Mavis, and the 19th and 20th Tenrou Cape.
Natsu happened to catch the third regiment and saw their emblem. "Huh, the Harvard Boys are crossing here." (Believe it or not this was their nickname.)
"The college boys? Wow didn't think they would send them to the front line," Grey muttered.
"Less talking more firing, make sure to check your ammo stores," Erza ordered.
The canon fire and the sharpshooters like Gajeel allowed four brigades to cross the river. The sharpshooters that were harassing the crossing was sumarily routed and captured. Four brigades were across the river before night fell. The fighting had spilled into the city and the Union brigades had turned to looting the town, horrifying both sides with the ferocity.
Natsu growled. "What the blazes is going on? How dare they ransack the town."
Erza looked at the town as the army looted the town. "This war has been brutal enough and now we drag civilians into this. If they were my regiment I would have them court marshalled. You lot better not do this or I will personally see you all in prison," Erza snapped.
The other members of the regiment began to hunker down for tommorrow's attack.
Evening, December 13th, X1862
General Conbolt was sitting in front of his commanders, wondering where it had all gone wrong. The previous two days were nothing but a disaster. On the 12th, General William Franklin was told to try and seize the heights that surrounding the town. Franklin had pleaded General Conbolt to let him assault the town, but the Rhode Island General had not allowed this. Rather than taking advantage of their numbers, he ordered piecemeal attacks instead of a full attack. This did nothing to dislodge the rebels in town before nightfall. Unknown to him, the Confederates had tightened their defenses in the night.
The next day, fog had prevented the battle from beginning the battle in ernest. When it lifted around noon, communication broke down. Multiple regiments were thrown into the fray all across the river and with the exception of General Franklin. The Confederates were dug in town and in the Hughes Heights to the North of town and thus had well fortified position. Throughout the day multiple regiments attempted to take the town. With Generals Eucliffe, Cheny and Longstreet, the rebels repelled each advance and only the coming darkness prevented a near catastrophe.
General Conbolt looked at his gathered generals. "What in god's earth happened out there?"
General Franklin looked at him. "The defenses were too strong and their position on the heights were too good. If you had allowed more biurgades to advance instead of the men I was provided then perhaps we could have gotten through and surrounded them."
"I thought the rebels would have more men then what they showed. I don't want to risk our men in a battle we could not win."
"That is dirt and you know it Macao!" Yelled a messy brown haired general near him. This was General Gildarts Clive, a well known career officer from Minstrel. "I was able to penetrate at least one line but even with the manpower I had I couldn't carry the heights."
"Then let me take control of my old corps and I will lead the charge personally!" Macao responded.
This had stunned the officers into silence. Gildarts was the first to recover. "Macao, as a friend let me be the first say this. That's literal and politcal suicide! If you launch another attack, we might lose the army!"
Macao stopped his thought process. He realized that General Clive was correct and he started to sit down almost having a panic attack.
"A-at first light, send a message to General Eucliffe that we will withdraw after we remove our dead."
The officers nodded solemnly as yet another opportunity to crush the rebels failed because once again they refused to commit manpower.
After Battle report
With the Battle of Fredricksburg over, another opportunity was wasted to destroy the Confederates. Union Casuaties nearly tripled the Confederates, with 1,284 killed, 9,600 wounded and 1,769 missing or captured on their side and the 608 killed, 4,116 wounded and 653 missing or captured for the Confederates.
The disappointment in the Union lines was felt everywhere. The 2nd Magnolia, having not taken part directly in the battle felt bad for not particpating.
"Damn it, if we were there we could have pushed through!" Natsu yelled.
"And then what? I would be writing home to your familes. Either that or I would be dead on the field too!" Erza growled. "Just be thankful we are still alive."
Natsu huffed and walked away. He managed to get away from the main camp and find a quiet place to think. This was where Lucy found him an hour later as he observed the stars.
"Hey there," Lucy calmly said.
Natsu said nothing as she sat down. "You know I am glad you made it back. From what I heard it was not a good fight."
Natsu sighed. "I know. It wasn't pretty. I guess it's a good thing we didn't go."
Lucy smiled and looked up at the sky. She gasped. "Natsu look up!"
He did so and saw that sky was exploding with color.
"What are those?" Natsu wondered.
"Boralis. But we are too far south to see them!" Lucy realized.
Throughout both camps, the sight was recored in journals and the lights were seen as far south as Paradiso. Whether this was a good or bad omen remains to be seen as the war continues into its third year.
END OF CHAPTER
UO: God this took forever. But this time I do have a couple of excuses. First part is I got sick not long after the last update. That sucked. The other part is that my computer developed cracks and I had to take it into the shop so this is on an old computer. Hopefully by my next update it will be back.
States:
Mavis: Michigan
People:
General Gildarts Clive: He is George Meade. A career officer and a spitfire. He had bad relations with the press but he was one of the more consistant Generals in the Eastern Theater.
Battles
Battle of Fredricksburg: This battle was General Ambrose's shot at glory and his tactics while sound were too bold for what he did. End result was him losing the battle and a loss of reputation.
Preview: The fallout from Fredicksburg is felt. Meanwhile the midterm elections has other sections of the country ready to defect. General Connell must now capture the Oracion River to keep the country intact. What will happen? Find out next time
Next time: Battle for the Heartland.
Next Update is Nakama United
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OSPREY…SWOOOSH