Sorry, I know that it's been awhile. I really don't have an excuse except school...
Anyway, this is based on my experiences in my history class. It's a WWI Simulation! This one-shot?, drabble?, whatever you call it is set after KHII and i'm imagining that Roxas and Namine found a way to have their own bodies and that some Final Fantasy XII characters grew up on Destiny Islands.
It's going to be awhile before I update "When the World Stops Spinning". I don't like how I wrote the first chapter and I don't think anyone is reading that fanfiction anyway so i'm going to redo the first chapter before I go on.
Also, I received a request asking how Axel, Namine, Roxas, and Demyx are babies in "Teenage Parents". I may or may not write a chapter on that. I originally intended for each chapter to be different from each other so that readers don't have to read every single chapter to know what's going on.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy, or even the idea of this simulation. Even some of the papers Kairi is reading is typed nearly word-for-word from the papers I kept.
Chapter 2: WWI Simulation
Kairi sat at her desk in nervousness
Kairi walked into the cold classroom nervously, Namine following behind her. The sixteen-year-old redhead clutched her navy schoolbag tightly in her left hand. Ten desks were arranged in a circle and the teacher's desk sat in the left corner. The remaining desks were pushed together against the side and back walls.
Each of the desks in the circle had a name taped to the front of them. Kairi looked around until she found the desk named "Britain" and sad down in the desk. Namine sat down in the desk to the right of her in a desk labeled "Italy". On the desks were a small pad of un-lined paper and three regular-sized sheets of paper with typed words on them Kairi was too lazy and nervous to read.
Beside her, Namine took out her sketchpad and began to doodle.
More people began to fill in the class. Sora yawned widely as he stretched his arms behind him, nearly hitting Riku on the nose. Said teen shoved Sora into of the empty desks in the circle and walked past him to the other side of the room to a desk labeled "Serbia".
Sora glared, which on him looked closer to a pout, and moved like he was going to fight Riku, but Mr.Ronsenburg came in and roxas nudged Sora's shoulder to tell him to sit down.
The two separated and Sora grumpily sat down next to Kairi at "Belgium" while Roxas walked back to "Germany" next to the "Ottoman Empire", which was in front of the door before Sora was shoved into it.
Selphie came in talking excitedly with Penelo, arms waving widely and hair bouncing. Vaan walked behind them silently and Kairi guessed the girls were talking about taboo girl stuff because for once he isn't talking.
"Oh! Hey Tidus!" the hyperactive burnette said, more of yelled, as she jumped into the "Ottoman Empire" seat beside U.S. President Tidus. The young girl looked around for a minute before spotting Wakka between Roxas and Namine in the "Austria" seat. She gave him a bright smile and a wild wave before turning to talk to Tidus.
Penelo laughed at her friend's energy before she walked across the room to "Russia" between Riku and Sora while Vaan went to "France" on the left side of Riku.
Sora gave another yawn. "Man, why do we have to be the first group to go? It's to early for this."
Riku snorted, "We could have started at noon instead of six 'o clock and it would still have been to early for you."
"Well…there's one group that gets to start at three! That's not fair."
"Life's not fair."
"Class quiet down." Mr. Ronsenburg said in his gruff, formal tone and all the little conversations around the room stopped.
"As you can see, on all your desks there is a pad of paper. That will be used to negotiate with each other. There must be no verbal or body language used to communicate." That appeared to be directed at Sora and Selphie to no one's surprise.
"When you need to talk with another country, write down what you need to say along with who and from whom the letter is going to and from. Than hand it to me and I will give it to the destined country is fate allows me to.
Naturally, every country uses spies so messengers can be captured or thrown away.
Also, on your desks are the procedures for this simulation, your specific country's information, and a map of the world in 1914 C.E.
Read along as I ready the World War One Simulation page outloud."
Kairi glanced over to see Riku rolling his eyes in his spot right in front of Mr.Ronsenburg's desk. All the desks were facing in towards the circle so their respect-demanding teacher couldn't see him show his annoyance over being treated like a little kid.
"Each student will individually represent one of the major states involved in War World One before the Cleansing Age. The goal of this simulation to try attempt to avert a major war while following a foreign policy consistent with the needs and interests of your respective country.
There are certain actions requiring preliminary steps before the action can be taken. For example, if a nation wishes o attack another, a prerequisite in having a military force to do so. If mobilization is necessary, a message must be sent to the instructor telling him so. I will respond when mobilization is complete." He paused.
"Yes, Sora." He asked looking over at the confused teen.
"Whats mobization?" the teen asked creating a bubble of laughter in the room that wasn't as loud as usual probably due to the ones laughing not knowing what "mobization" is either.
"Mobilization. It's building up your military and bringing more men to the standing army or creating a standing army. Before attacking someone or properly defending your country, mobilization will be necessary, Sora." The dirty blonde teacher looked around.
"Any more questions?… No?"
The adult turned back to his paper. " Countries must take into consideration the geographic realities of the situation. For example, Russia is not geographically capable of invading Switzerland with first conquering other countries." One again, he seemed to be looking at Selphie. Kairi could hear Penelo's stifled giggle two seats over.
'Selphie is a little bit too excited about playing war. She should be in an army or a mercenary.' Kairi thought to herself.
"Any nation not immediately present in the assembly of states will be represented by the instructor." Mr. Ronsenburg finished.
"Wait, so by that do you mean you are every country besides us? Like are you Australia or … um.."
"Australia wasn't involved in World War One but yes, I am." He nodded at the blond teen beside him.
"To keep everyone knowing the basics of what is occurring. I will write on the board important historical events as they happen." He moved his arm vaguely toward the white board behind Vann and Tidus who looked kind of like twins sitting side-by-side.
"I will give you a few minutes to look over the page concerning your country's information. When I begin writing on the board, the simulation will start which means absolutely no talking. The entire simulation will last two hours however, we will have a small break in one hour." He sat down and Kairi shared a nervous glance with Namine. Neither of them know much about war and are worried about doing something ridiculously stupid.
The redhead looked at the paper titled Great Britain in bold letters and began reading to herself.
'Great Britain
Britain is a stable, industrial power that can draw upon the resources of a vast worldwide empire. In fact, these resources are vital to the survival of Britain. Generally a by-stander in continental events, the rapid growth of Germany's navy has become a challenge to Britain's dominance of the oceans.
Military
Britain possesses a small, professional army of 100,000 men. Full mobilization of the military will allow Britain to field any army up to 500,000 men.
Alliances
Fear over the growth of German power had led to Britain's involvement in the Triple Entente with France and Russia. Russia's tied to the small states of the Balkins however doesn't directly affect the Britain's interests. Britain had also secretly pledged its support to protect Belgium.'
Kairi bit her lip to stop herself from giggling at the thought of protecting Sora instead of it being the other way around. She wondered if Sora knows she watching over him. 'I get to be like Riku today.' She thought.
Mr. Ronsenburg walked to the white board and began to write with a black magic marker. 'Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated in Serjero. Black Hand, a Serbian group in Austria, assassinates him to gain independence from Austria.'
Kairi looked around to see if anyone was doing anything. Besides Riku, everyone was doing the same thing she's doing, looking around.
'Well, at least I'm not the only one not knowing what to do.' She thought feeling slightly relieved.
After awhile, things started to go faster and Kairi, along with everyone else found something to do even thought they weren't really aware of what they were doing. 'Maybe we'll be able to win the simulation. We're doing pretty good'
One hour later, Mr.Ronsenburg called for a ten-minute break and said with a smile twitching on his face, "Things aren't going too well."
Laughter and giggles floated around the room, happy to be let out after the long silence.
"Roxas…you aren't being very nice." More laughter erupted and Kairi's eyes automatically turned to words on the board saying, "German U-Boats begin operations off coast of Britain attacking all merchant shipping."
Roxas looked slightly rumpled up, "There wasn't much of a choice…."
"Sure there wasn't." Kairi teased. Britain is her country after all so she had to defend it even in small ways.
"You know, ordering U-Boats to attack British merchant ships sound slightly familiar," Riku said mockingly with a smirk on his lips. Roxas glared at him and opened his mouth to say something but Mr.Ronsenburg interrupted him.
"Also, for some reason Selphie invaded Greece…who's neutral." Harder laughter and snorts were heard as Selphie jumped in her seat from surprise.
"Are you joking with me, Mr.Ronsenburg?" she demanded while Tidus hugged his waist tightly while banging his fist on his desk from laughter.
As Selphie turning to Tidus to release her anger, Mr.Ronsenburg let everyone leave for a bathroom and water break.
Roxas waited for Riku and Sora to cross the room before leaving as a group, Roxas demanding Riku to explain what he meant earlier by "that sounds familiar".
'They are worse than a married couple.' Thought Kairi with a light giggle. Namine and her and been joking with each other about Riku and Roxas having a secret relationship. It does have its possibilities. Ever since, Namine and Roxas separated form Kairi and Sora respectively; Roxas has been stuck to Sora and his best friend like glue. Roxas and Riku do have a lot in common, which was something Kairi and her nobody have noted with interest.
Kairi and Namine joined Penelo and Selphie at the white board, the latter drawing an unknown picture with an orange marker.
"Having fun?" Penelo asked when they arrived.
"Actually, yeah. I'm doing better than I thought I would be at any rate. I don't think I made any bad decisions yet." Kairi answered, as they all deliberately didn't look at Selphie fuming as she drew.
"I'm not sure how I'm doing. The countries on either side of me are enemies so I'm forced to pick a side." Namine said in her usual quiet voice, clutched her sketchbook. "I haven't really been doing much except pick a side. I don't know what else to do."
"You're doing fine, Namine." All the girls turned to see their teacher, looking on with amusement. "There is more you could do however not much. Also, I can assure you and Selphie that everyone else has made a mistake so far to."
"Yeah, Vaan was just complaining to me how Sora gave Roxas permission to go through his country and he was wondering why you didn't help him out, Kairi." Penelo said with a question in her voice.
"I didn't want to get dragged into war. You know, the goal is to prevent war so…"
"True Kairi, however due to your and Vaan's alliance, you didn't follow your country's foreign policy.
Kairi blinked, than remembered her information paper. "I'm allies with France? But I thought we became allies during the war…oops."
They all looked at her before Selphie burst into laughter.
Kairi half glared, half pouted at her childhood friend when Sora, Riku, and Roxas came back assumingly from the bathroom but why they had to go together was a mystery to Kairi.
'They don't look too messed up so they didn't do anything.' Kairi thought disappointingly.
"What's going on?" Sora asked, looking at the doubled over Selphie.
"Sh-she didn't know she was allies with France." Selphie said, pointing at Kairi while trying to catch her breath.
Sora looked confused while Riku muttered something under his breath and Roxas stared at the half-drawn orange train disinterested.
"Don't feel bad Kairi. As you can see-" Riku waved toward Sora's blank face "-he didn't know either."
A sigh and all faces turned to their teacher. "At least this simulation will help to remember important facts about the war."
"I don't know." Riku replied pessimistically. "More likely they'll be even more confused. Tidus is getting bored and told us he's going to do something "radical!" and with Wakka not doing anything about the Serbians in his country, Sora letting Roxas walk all over him, and Selphie going crazy-"
"Hey!"
"-they're not going to get much facts straight." Riku finished ignoring Selphie's outburst.
"At least Roxas is helping you guys out." He smiled, more of smirked, at the pissed off blonde.
"I didn't have a choice. He said we have to follow foreign policy." Roxas snapped back, his face right in front of Riku's
"Let's start the simulation again now that everyone's here." Mr.Ronsenburg said, raising his voice slightly with a smile on his face. He had a strong fondness for all of these students.
When all ten participants sat down and stopped chattering across the room to each other, Mr.Ronsenburg wrote on the white board. 'Serbia sends troops to aid Greece."
Selphie glared at Riku, cheeks puffed out while a few students forgetting the "be quiet" rule laughed. Riku simply gave a salute back to Selphie, deciding to ignore the "no signals" rule. Mr.Ronsenburg didn't seem to mind.
Continuing to write, 'Austria-Hungary sends troops to assist Ottoman invasion of Greece.'
Selphie's glare immediately turned into a squeal of joy as she clapped her hands excitedly. Wakka laughed and rubbed his neck in embarrassment.
Things picked themselves up again as everyone got back into the motions of the simulation. Thirty minutes later, Mr.Ronsenburg wrote on the board, 'Germany halts U-Boat operations around Britain. German army begins withdrawal from France.'
Kairi sighed in relief. 'Maybe we'll be able to win the simulation after all.' She thought.
Mr.Ronsenburg wasn't finished, 'Austro-Ottoman invasion of Greece defeated.'
A groan and repeated banging signaled Selphie banged her head against her desk in frustration.
Mr.Ronsenburg still wasn't finished, 'U.S. invades Mexico, U.S. President seeks declaration of war against Spain and Portugal."
There was a silence, even Selphie stopped torturing herself and looked up at the board than at Tidus.
Tidus appeared to damn proud of himself. 'He was getting pretty bored. There isn't much he can do except have fun because his country's all about being neutral in the war right not. Maybe now he'll stop bugging me about trade…'
With a shake of his head Mr.Ronsenburg wrote, 'Joint Serbian/Greek army invades Ottoman Empire."
"Riku!" Selphie wailed.
Riku shrugged. "You shouldn't have invaded poor, innocent, neutral Greece."
"Ah! Well…you…ah!" she stuttered, throwing up her hands in agitation when she couldn't think of a smart comeback.
Mr.Ronsenburg seemed to find their conflict amusing as he made a quiet "shush" motion and picked up the latest messages written by the countries.
Feeling vengeful after Tidus bogged her down with questions about whether fighting in Europe would disrupt trade just because he was bored, Kairi wrote a message to the naïve Blitz player asking whether his unexpected war will affect Britain's trade.
After looking through the notes and throwing one away (likely from Sora, he's been handing in messages saying things like "How's your tea, Britain?"), Mr.Ronsenburg wrote on the board, 'Russia invades Ottoman Empire.'
"Nelo, how could you!?"
"Nelo" didn't seem to be very apologetic. The pig-tailed blonde just laughed quietly in her hand.
Kairi looked away from them to see, 'Popular uprisings begin throughout Ottoman Empire.' Being written.
She wasn't the only one who noticed.
"Geez Selphie, you can't even control your own people." Tidus noted.
"Huh," Selphe whipped around to read the board. "What!?"
"About time. Those poor people need to girl a new leader. I can't imagine all the suffering they must have been through already."
"Riku." Selphie growled, yes she growled, and half stood in her desk, wanting desperately to sprint across the room to strangle the older teen she practically considers to be a brother.
"Hey guys look!" Wakka caught his friends' attention as he pointed at the board.
'U.S. withdraws government investment in Latin America. A day later, U.S. stock market crashes and U.S. President faces impeachment.'
Tidus' proud moment vanished. He started, slack-jawed at the board as Mr.Ronsenburg finished writing his message with, 'The crash affected all the countries, especially Britain.'
Now, that caught Kairi's attention. Sora laughed at his friend's misfortune beside her and even Namine found it amusing!
Kairi gave a fake hurt look over to Namine that didn't fool the nobody for a second. Namine's has been getting better at emotions and recognizing jokes.
Mr.Ronsenburg started passing out messages and handed one to Kairi from Tidus. It was Kairi's letter that was sent earlier with Tidus' scrawl underneath her's saying, "No, you won't be affected by the invasion."
Kairi caught eyes with Tidus across the room and made a "what the fuck?" motion with her arms.
Tidus shrugged back and laughed guiltily. Kairi assumed that Tidus must have written on the note before the stock market crush. He better have.
"I'm going to pick up the last round of messages. There isn't much we can do though." Mr.Ronsenburg said, walking around the circle, picking up folded slips of paper as he went.
Kairi didn't have anything to say so she just sat there and watched her teacher as she waited. Mr.Ronsenburg walked back to his desks to read the notes. He didn't throw any away this time. When he got done, he walked to the board and wrote the final message.
'Ottoman government collapses.'
"You are such a meanie, Riku." Selphie pouted out as she crossed her arms over her developing chest.
"It said the government collapsed, not that the military was defeated or the country was taken over. That means your people were so traumatized by your rule that they forced the government, which is you, to back down." Riku said smugly, comforted in the knowledge that he's probably right.
Mr.Ronsenburg waited until there was a pause and said, "As I'm sure you all noticed, we failed the simulation however there is no need to worry. No group in my years of teaching had ever successfully completed the simulation. However," he smiled, "you are the first group to backtrack. Usually when the war starts, everyone attacks each other and has fun with it."
"We are a very stubborn group." Penelo said matter of factly.
"Yes you are though by being stubborn, many of you have went severely against your foreign policy. Germany, for instance, wouldn't have called back their U-Boats and troops after giving them orders to attack."
"Sure they would've." Roxas said, bringing truth to Penelo's comment.
Mr.Ronsenburg decided not to argue with the spiky-blonde went to his next topic instead. "One thing I noticed was everyone sending messages to Serbia asked him why he's not doing anything about one of his citizens murdering the Archduke and telling him to give up. Riku couldn't have done anything if he wanted to. It was an Austrian citizen that is ethnically Serbian who killed the Archduke."
"Really? Oh, sorry Ri!" Sora said, bright grin and all.
Riku just waved it off, likely used to his friends many mistakes like that.
Looking at his watch, Mr.Ronsenburg said, "You have an essay due approximately one week from now." Half the class groaned, not fazing the teacher a bit. "It will be over what occurred during this simulation, not the real war and in it I want you to tell me why you did what you did and what you should have done differently. Leave your map, procedures, your country's information, and the pad of paper on your desks."
Assuming that was the cue to leave, Selphie jumped from her desk crying out, "OK, bye Mr.Ronsenburg! See you Monday!" and than skipped out of the room.
Everyone else left a little more calmly, close to the same groups they came in with. Kairi heard her favorite trio of boys talking about going to a food stand on the way to the play island than practice fighting.
Kairi and Namine stayed silent as they walked out, both stuck in their own thoughts.
Kairi was thinking about the adventure Namine, the boys, and she had gone through just one year ago. She thought about how none of them really got deep into the political world. At least… she hoped not.
'My boys may be able to save the world, but they can't do a thing to stop a war before it begins. I guess that's the difference between a warrior and a politician.'
Some questions people might have is what the cleansing age is. In my head, there isn't a Germany or U.S. or any of the other countries mentioned because the worlds aren't connected anymore. WWI was a really, really long time ago in the KH universe. People noticed that some of the countries are mysteriously missing so they call that moment the cleaning age because they thought that god got rid of those countries because those countries are vile.
Also, C.E. stands for common era. It's the same as A.D.
