A/N: I do not own Phoenix Wright or MIles Edgeworth; they belong to CAPCOM. However, the plot, Major Coombs, Major Shaw and other assorted Union and Confederate soldiers are mine. :) Also, this is a work of fiction set in the American Civil War. While I do use real historical figures, I'm using them fictitiously.
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Major General Phoenix Wright and Major Shaw have come to the Federal camp because Phoenix wishes to see Colonel Miles Edgeworth. Will they be afforded a friendly reception by the Federals in general while they are under flag of truce and will Phoenix receive a friendly reception from Miles himself?
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Chapter 2 is complete! YAY! :)
The third story in my Civil War NaruMitsu series! It's set six days before the battle of Seven Pines [May 31-June 1, 1862].
Hope you enjoy!
Thanks to my readers and all those who have favourited, reviewed, story alerted, favourite author or author alerted me. I appreciate it more than I can say! :)
Thank you to my beta reader, Pearls1990, for her AWESOME beta reading! Much appreciated! :)
Special thanks to my beloved husband, DezoPenguin, for all his help, support, advice, nagging when necessary and encouragement! I appreciate it more than I can say! Love you!
Comments are appreciated and constructive criticism is welcomed.
Rated Teen, Historical/Drama/Romance, Phoenix x Edgeworth, male x male relationships, American Civil War [1861-1865]
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Outskirts of the Union Picket Line
5 P.M.
It was five o'clock in the afternoon-according to my pocket watch-when we pounded up to the outskirts of the Union picket line. We could see flashes of mottled blue and some grey in the distance between the trees. The Major pulled up beside me and opened his mouth to say something but I lifted my hand and he closed it with a sharp snap.
"Whoa, Samson," I whispered softly to my nervous horse, who was dancing a little in place with the sharp onset of unfamiliar smells and sounds. "Easy boy, easy now..." I patted the side of his neck reassuringly and with a quiet snort, he calmed down and stood with all four hooves planted firmly on the ground, not a muscle moving.
I could hear Nemo prancing lightly in place but, presently, he, too stood still. I leaned over, opened my saddle bag and rummaged around inside until I found my field glasses. I brought them to my eyes and furrowed my brow at what I saw.
"What do you see, Sir?" Major Shaw murmured under his breath.
"What we expected to see, Major," I whispered back, my voice mischievous, lowering the glasses to look at him. "A slew of Yankee soldiers."
The Major rolled his eyes and I couldn't help but snicker.
"Very funny, Sir," he growled back before lapsing into silence again and I saw him giving me a dirty look out of the corner of his eye before he leaned over and patted the side of Nemo's neck. The little sorrel horse preened under the attention and I couldn't help but smile as I watched the two of them.
I chuckled as I put my field glasses into my side saddle packet before sitting up straight again. I didn't know exactly why but I enjoyed teasing the Major who was, in my estimation, far too serious by halves for his own good. I made it a point to do so whenever I could since I wanted to teach him that one still needed to laugh and life provided plenty of opportunities for that even now in the midst of the Hell of War.
Who was it that taught me that? I thought for a few moments and then shrugged, unable to bring to mind the face that had taught me so much in the beginning. No matter; whoever it might have been, they were right. Lord knows I would have gone stark raving mad before this if I had not.
As we sat in silence there on the outskirts, the good Major still giving me dark looks out of the corner of his eye, I could feel my thoughts drifting toward Miles Edgeworth, Colonel of the Union forces under General George Meade. I couldn't repress the smile that was tugging at the corners of my mouth as I thought of him. General Meade had given us plenty of trouble over the past year or so but I supposed we gave him more.
The Major looked at me and I nodded, nudging Samson forward with Nemo following close behind. The closer we came to the Union picket line, the more nervous I was starting to feel; despite my earlier bravado to Major Shaw, I was a little worried about what kind of reception we would receive. Lord knows we'd given the Federals more than enough reason to despise us and I truly hoped that we would be received honorably, and respectfully, behind Union lines.
Samson sensed my disquiet and whickered quietly; I soothed him again by rubbing his crest and he settled down to a slow trot. The voices grew louder the closer we came to the line, loud, raucous laughter mixed in with shouting from every direction and I couldn't help but wonder what Miles was doing. Knowing him like I did, I supposed that he would be busily engaged in one kind of business or another.
I couldn't help but smile once again at that. He was a damned fine commander and a fine man, to boot. Was it any surprise exactly why I had fallen in love with him back in '55? I closed my eyes as I thought of our first kiss in the quad garden, my lips tugging into a smile that faded slightly as I felt my heart ache and I tried to ignore it as best as I could.
I hated what this War had done to us and I hated even more that we were separated now by more than just distance. I still didn't understand why he turned his back on Virginia, his state as much as mine, in order to fight for the Federals. I sighed; it didn't make any sense to me and I still struggled to come to terms with the ramifications.
I loved him foolishly and with all of my being. Truthfully, I didn't think that there was anything, even fighting for the other side in this conflict, that could uproot him from his place in my heart and I was content to have it so.
I was so engrossed in thought about Miles that I didn't see the Union soldiers coming toward us at a run until I heard loud voices yelling.
"REBS!" I flinched with surprise as I saw a fine strapping fellow with three stripes on the shoulder of his blue uniform running toward as fast as he could, quickly followed by a group of at least ten more, muskets clutched tightly in their hands.
Startled at the sudden and unexpected noise, Samson reared on his hind legs, pawing the air with his hooves and neighed loudly with Nemo following suit. It was with great effort that both Major Shaw and I got our respective horses back under control.
Major Shaw gave me an anxious glance and I nodded reassuringly to him even though my heart had dropped in the general direction of my feet since I could see their faces and not one of them was friendly.
I quickly gestured to Major Shaw and he brought out the white flag, holding it high in the air over his head where these men could no doubt see it. Whether they would acknowledge it was another question.
"We come here under flag of truce," I said firmly, my hand stretched out in front of me so that they could see I didn't have my free hand on my weapon. "Stand down. We mean you gentlemen no harm. We are here to see Colonel Edgeworth."
Once they saw the white flag that Major Shaw was holding high above his head, they stopped although the menacing voices did not.
Well, at least they recognize the flag of truce. Maybe they won't be unreasonable after all...
"Colonel Edgeworth?" I heard one of them say in disbelief, his face hardening, the buzz behind him getting louder and more ugly. "What stock does he have with some dirty Rebels?!"
I swallowed hard, hoping that they didn't notice. The mood was degenerating quickly and I wasn't certain that I could handle the situation. Even the horses were getting more nervous by the minute and I groaned. The last thing we needed was two upset and stampeding horses raising Cain in the Federals' camp.
The throng of men pressed in even closer, the ugly voices rising in volume. The horses were getting more difficult to control despite our best efforts and, if something didn't happen soon, they would start plunging and all hell would break loose.
God help us!
Samson was struggling to break free and I had my hands full trying to prevent him from doing so; Major Shaw was having the same trouble and it was only a matter of time before something happened. The throng of men around us seemed to be only too happy to find some excuse to shoot us. I prayed for a miracle.
"ENOUGH!" I heard a familiar voice roar and the eleven jumped back in consternation, snapping instantly to attention.
My eyes widened for a moment as I finally managed to bring Samson back under control and Major Shaw had finally succeeded in calming Nemo down. Wait, is that who I think it is...?
I saw the tall burly man stomping toward the throng, his short brown hair framing his chiseled face, his hard, black eyes flashing angry sparks, his mouth pressed into a grim, thin line. I noticed on the shoulders of his uniform he wore the Major's epaulets and I felt my mouth twitch at the corners as I tried not to smile.
I knew who this Union soldier was and I also knew that he wouldn't hesitate to put these young rascals in their proper place and remind them of the civilities under flag of truce. Which he promptly proceeded to do.
"These gentlemen are here under flag of truce," he continued, his voice rising with every step, "and that means that they are our guests! You would do well to remember that and treat them accordingly!" He was right on top of them at this point and I could see them quailing under that stormy look.
He went on in that vein for some time and I couldn't help but smile at how the bombastic Major Coombs managed to disperse the angry mob with that lecture. I leaned forward with my hands resting on the pummel of my English style saddle, the reins clutched in my hands.
"I expect you to apologize to these gentlemen," he went on, "and then you all will be on sentry duty for the next three months as punishment." He held up his hand over the groans and protests of the eleven soldiers, his eyes narrowing. "You men represent the Union Army whether or not you're on the battlefield. You are expected to act honorably and accordingly. Now-" he gave them a withering look and I could see that they were thoroughly cowed by this time - "apologize to the Major General and get back to the camp."
To a man, they pivoted on their heel and, one by one, came up to us and apologized. Their hot feelings toward their Confederate counterparts were almost palpable and something I was half expecting because the opposite was also true for some on our side; they had been given a direct order and hastened to obey.
I also suspected that Major Coombs hurried the decision along. However, I received them graciously in the spirit in which they had been given, touching my gloved fingers to the tip of my hat and inclining my head slightly, a smile on my lips. They saluted me one final time, which I returned, before they turned and marched away, Major Shaw and I watching them until they were lost to sight.
Silence reigned for a few moments until Major Coombs turned toward us, a wide smile on his craggy face.
"Good to see you, Major General Wright," he said cheerfully, saluting and I returned the gesture, inclining my head briefly before straightening up again.
"And you, Major. How are Elizabeth and the children?"
"Just fine, Sir. Just fine. Little Elsa was talking about her Uncle Feenie again a month or so ago, said its been far too long since you were at our home for a visit." He grinned lopsidedly. " There's another heart you've captured, Sir."
I laughed at that. "So it seems. I'll have to make some time on my next furlough to visit Elizabeth and the children; I agree, its been far too long since I've seen them. Speaking of which, how is my namesake?"
His face brightened, Major Shaw's eyebrow raising. "He's well, Sir, thank you! He's growing like a bad weed. Beth says that he gets into all kinds of mischief with his madcap antics and he's a real handful these days, the little scamp."
I chuckled. "Indeed. My good Mother used to say the same of me when I was a lad. I wonder where he picked up that particular bad habit from..."
Major Coombs' eyebrow rose. "I have no idea, Sir," he replied saucily with deadpan seriousness, his mouth splitting into a wide grin. I couldn't help but laugh.
We talked for a few moments more before we got down to business. It was an abrupt change from our earlier pleasantries but I knew that the subject would inevitably come up as to our presence here.
"If you don't mind my saying so, Sir, what are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see Colonel Edgeworth," I replied softly. "It's been far too long since I saw him last and I wanted to come see him when I had a chance." I paused and sighed. "I've missed him, Duncan. I wish that this damned War hadn't come between us but-"
Major Coombs nodded, holding up his hand and I fell silent. "I understand, Sir," he said in a low voice. I had the sneaking suspicion that he, truly, did understand.
"How is he?" I asked after some time had passed.
"He's well though working himself into a tizzy as usual." Major Coombs made a face as he rolled his eyes. "You know what he's like. He's as damnably stubborn as you-" he gave me a pointed look - "and has to be reminded to take a break to relax once in awhile."
The corners of my mouth twitched in amusement but I made no comment as I nodded. Miles' devotion to duty was legendary among those who knew him and I wasn't surprised that he still had the same dedication that he'd had back in our University days. He was conscientious to a fault and I'd teased him many times about this particular trait of his.
We passed the moments in quiet conversation, Major Coombs and I reminiscing about our time at the University of Virginia, the sound of the leaves rustling in the wind providing soothing background music. Major Shaw had remained quiet throughout the exchange but I noticed that his eyebrow did raise when I told the Union Major why I was here, his expression one of stunned disbelief.
"You... knew?!" he blurted out, his voice rising without a thought to good manners or common sense.
I couldn't help wincing, my gloved hand pinching the bridge of my nose with my fingers.
Oh, lord, of all the times...!
I was about to open my mouth to apologize for my erring colleague when Major Coombs took the situation in hand himself. He turned to him, his eyes as hard as flint and I could see Major Shaw quailing under that penetrating gaze.
"Of course I did," he said sternly, his voice as cold as ice. "All of us who knew the Major General back in Virginia know! Does it matter to us? Of course not! Just because he is attracted to men doesn't mean that he isn't a good man which I'm sure that you are already aware of, Major."
Major Shaw's face turned brick red with embarrassment at the chiding, and biting, tone but Major Coombs wasn't finished with him yet. I almost felt sorry for him.
Almost.
"We don't care, and have never cared, that he loves a man; that doesn't mean he's a bad human being, nor is he twisted, immoral or any other kind of rot." He glared at Major Shaw, his eyes snapping sparks. "We love, and respect, him for who he is and I'm willing to stake not only my life but my reputation on that fact. He's also, as I'm sure that you lot in Virginia should know, a damned fine soldier! Though he is a damned fool sometimes, you're lucky to have him!"
I could see Major Shaw's eyes opening wider with every sentence until it looked like they would pop out of his head. Being from an old gentry family from Virginia, he wasn't used to being spoken to like that, so openly and bluntly, that he wasn't really sure how to handle it. It looked like he wanted to lash out at this erring Federal but his good manners precluded him doing that and he also couldn't deny the truth of what Major Coombs had just said, either. Shame, embarrassment and anger were the main emotions that I could see warring with others in the ever changing expression that spread over his face.
"Now then," Major Coombs continued, having spoken his piece and pulling his kepi hat down lower on his head, his eyes never leaving my aide-de-camp, "if we have that settled, you gentlemen may follow me and I'll escort the two of you to Colonel Edgeworth personally."
He smiled, his stern expression softening and he directed his words directly to Major Shaw. "Begging your pardon, Sir," he said, "I'm a soldier and I'm very blunt perhaps to the point of what some would consider rudeness but I believe in speaking my mind; inconsequential things such as religion, politics or even which sex a man, or woman, loves mean not a jot to me. I believe that people should be accepted for who they are, not decided on the basis of whom they love, which political stance they support or even how they worship."
"Y-Yes, of course," Major Shaw stammered in response after a moment of stunned silence, his cheeks turning red. "I-you're right, Major." He gave him a wan smile and I didn't miss the triumphant look that Major Coombs shot at me over his head. I winked roguishly back.
He saluted once again and turned on his heel, motioning us to follow him until we came to a rough hewn building that stood just outside the main camp. I pulled Samson to a stop and dismounted while Major Shaw did the same, both of us handing the reins to a young private who scurried up to greet Major Coombs when we arrived, saluting us smartly which we returned.
"Take these horses to the main building," the good Major instructed, "and see that they are properly stabled and fed."
"Yes, Sir!"
Major Coombs again turned to us as the private quickly led the horses out of sight around the corner.
"Follow me, gentlemen," he said and took off at a fast walking pace while we followed quietly after him.
The hum of activity briefly halted and I could hear the excited buzz of whispers as we made our way further into the camp. I couldn't repress a smile when I heard disbelieving voices wondering what the sam hill was going on and why two Confederate officers were making their way into a Federal camp! There were, as expected, some hostile stares but the majority of the querying looks turned upon us were merely curious and some were even friendly which further shocked my aide-de-camp.
I chuckled and shook my head at the expression on Major Shaw's face. If these kinds of things shock Major Shaw then its all to the good; he certainly needs to be shocked out of his complacency! The sooner he learns that not everyone or everything is the same here as it is in Virginia, the better!
We stopped along the way to exchange some words with three officers who came up to greet us and asked how their loved ones, who were fighting in Longstreet's division, were faring; I said that two of the three were well but the third had had his left arm amputated; despite this sad news, word had come that he was gaining strength every day and hopefully would pull through. He was being taken care of very well by the surgeon and had the nurses eating out of his hand, so to speak, with his courtesy. They thanked me for the news and saluted, which I returned, and we continued on our way.
Presently, we came to a solid white house that stood in the midst of a copse of trees and I could feel my heart start to beat faster when I saw who was pacing up and down in front of the large window looking out on to the path leading up to it.
Miles...
As handsome as ever with that firm step that I knew so well. I could see his hands clasped behind his back as he walked slowly back and forth, his brow creased in concentration and I couldn't help but wonder what it was that he was thinking about.
Major Coombs stopped in front of the white picket fence that surrounded the property and Major Shaw and I halted, my hand resting on the wooden gate trying not to appear too eager.
"If you gentlemen would remain here, I'll inform Colonel Edgeworth of your arrival."
I inclined my head. "Thank you, Major."
He saluted me, turned before I had a chance to return it and walked down the path, disappearing into the building. We stood in silence for awhile until a young Union private came up to us and asked for Major Shaw's assistance since the horses were skittish and he couldn't seem to calm them.
Major Shaw looked at me, his eyebrow raising in query; I nodded my acquiescence and he saluted and followed the young man back down the path where we had come.
I watched him until he and the young Union soldier had disappeared and then looked back at the window. I couldn't help but wonder how old the young Union private was; he didn't look any older than my nephew and he had just turned fifteen three months ago.
A few moments later I saw Major Coombs come out of the house and beckon to me before he turned and left, disappearing into the back. I promptly opened the gate and walked inside, closing it behind me and hurrying down the path, my heart hammering in my chest, my excitement building in my breast the closer I got to the house.
I hadn't seen my beloved for over a year now and I ached for his touch, his kiss, his presence. It had been a very long and lonely year but now, at last, I was able to see him again and I thought how much like a blushing schoolboy I seemed to be.
I looked quickly around me to make sure that no one was watching-the last thing I wanted was for a nervous Federal to think I was charging into Col. Edgeworth's quarters to make some mischief or possibly even to harm him and end up shooting me in the back as I ran-and increased my pace until I was running.
My heart was pounding in my chest by the time I had flown up the stairs, my hand reaching out to take the latch on the door and pulling it open. I had to calm myself as I did so since I didn't want any eyes that might have been watching, although I hadn't seen anyone in the immediate area, to get nervous and I took a few deep breaths before I stepped into the house, closing the door behind me.
He looked up at the sound of the door nicking shut and I saw his eyes widen when he saw who it was standing there, the piece of paper he had been holding in his hand fluttering to the table.