Previously....
Loz and Tifa decided to challenge each other while Loz was taking a break from patrolling the kingdom. Meanwhile, Yazoo was driving around the kingdom on his motorbike trying to find his son Kaibu who had seemed to run off without notice. Hoping nothing went wrong, Yazoo kept his eyes peeled for potential danger that could be lurking nearby as he continued his search.
Chapter 16: Chips& Collars
(This section will focus on Yazoo as the speaker) I drove through the kingdom as fast as my motorbike would go, struggling to find my son Kaibu who mysteriously disappeared while i was getting dinner ready for him at our hideout, the Forgotten City. Since Mako Reactor was Mother's Palace now, Little Sister decided that would be our new territory as a gang. I had driven for what felt like hours, but my son was nowhere to be found. I began to worry that he didn't just run outside playing another one of his silly scare tactics this time. That was usually the case, and often he would hide behind a tree or higher up before flying out and saying 'gotcha'. Likewise, it wasnt usually far away from where he would leave. I had a feeling something was not right. If this was another joke though, i wouldn't let him get away with it; this is pranks gone way too far and everyone knows that only causes unnecessary problems. I planned to punish him for it if that was true. I slammed the brakes after arriving at JENOVA Square where the large and beautiful statue of Mother stood; it was impossible to miss. Getting off my motorbike, i drew my weapon preparing to fight any potential attackers who may have abducted him. I kept it pointed ahead of me, slowly walking around the area. There wasn't any sign of a struggle here or back at territory, but i also knew clever predators would not leave an obvious mess behind; smart criminals knew to cover their tracks. However, i was quickly surprised: something flew right at me making a zombie-like cry. I was caught off guard and knocked to the ground before i could fire at it. Quickly retrieving my weapon, i got back on my feet and locked my gaze on my attacker. I couldn't believe my eyes: it was Kaibu! Not hesitating to talk sense into him, i said "Kaibu, its me, Father!" He was giving me an evil smile as though he didn't care or wasnt listening. I soon noticed something was different about him: he had a red chip stuck in his forehead. I had a bad feeling about this. Something wasnt right and i knew it. Trying to wake him up, i said "Stay put, Young Kaibu! I have to get thing out of your head!" Immediately after i said that, the red chip gave off an electrical sound followed by visible static. Kaibu groaned as though trying to break free of some alien control. I gasped and shouted "I knew it! That thing in his head is controlling him. I have to help him!" Of course, the strange device regained its control and Kaibu bared fangs as he began to fly towards me. Turning to dodge him, i carefully grabbed him and held him in my arms hard enough to keep him there but not hurt him. He was thrashing recklessly as though trying to struggle free while snarling and growling like some kind of wolf trying to fight back. I got a gentle grip on the device in his head and carefully tried to pull it free. I felt tears stream down my face: i couldn't bear seeing my own son being hurt like this. Before long, i got it to wriggle loose and Kaibu screamed in agonizing pain as the red chip came out. Quickly stuffing it in my pocket, I stood up and cuddled him trying to calm him down. He stopped screaming but was crying as though he was very frightened. I wanted to ask him who did this, but decided to wait until he was calmed down. He sobbed "Daddy it was so scary! This creepy guy with black hair that had blood in it took me away from home, and then he pushed this red thing in my head and i... it hurt so bad!" I kept him in my arms, then glanced at him and said "Do you remember anything that happened after that?" Whimpering, he shook his head no. I gazed at the spot where the strange device was planted. There was a small red hole but it didn't seem deep enough to be a serious threat to his life. I wondered if it was shock that hindered his memory or the device that controlled him. I gently brushed his long silver hair and said "Dont worry, my son. I'll find out whats going on and track down that man you just mentioned. But before i do that, I need to get you somewhere safe." He sniffled and asked "Where is that? Home?" I answered "No, not yet. If the enemy was clever enough to pull you out of there without me noticing, who knows what else he can do. Im sorry, Young Kaibu, but i cant take that chance. I'll take you to JENOVA Foundation. With the strict security there, i doubt the enemy can sneak in easily. You're gonna be ok, Little Brother." He smiled at me and wrapped his arms around me. I knew the foundation was the safest place, but i didn't know how i would get there without driving. I had to act quickly enough to avoid a dangerous encounter that could further harm my son. I had no choice but to use the new powers Mother's materia granted me. That was the only thing fast enough to get there on time. I sighed, then bolted metal silver wings and said "Kaibu, i need you to close your eyes until i tell you to open them." Bewildered, he asked "But... why?" I answered "Just do it. I dont have time to explain with the enemy on the loose." He obeyed, and i opened a wormhole and flew through it. There was nothing but white light in this one. Before long, i opened an exit and arrived at the doors to JENOVA Foundation. I smiled, returning to my natural form and said "Its ok, my son. You can open your eyes now." He obeyed and giggled, nuzzling me on the neck. Somehow, he reminded me of Little Sister when she was his age in larval form. He was acting just like her. I entered the building, and was greeted by two employees. Knowing who i was, they gave me the ok and let me into the elevator. I entered the number for the control room where Brother Rufus worked and arrived there within seconds. As always, Rufus took immediate notice to my arrival and flashed me a smile. He started "Guardian Yazoo! Glad to see you here. What can i do for you?" I smiled back and approached him, then replied "I need you to care for my son, Kaibu. He doesn't appear to be seriously hurt, but was attacked by a man he described as having black hair with blood in it. This man apparently implanted a device into his forehead that seemed to control his thoughts and behavior: completely." I gently let Kaibu slip out of my arms and he managed to stand up. I could see him smiling at Rufus in a sweet, childlike way. Rufus seemed to blush a bit as though charmed and mildly embarrassed, and said "I will keep him safe, Brother. Do you happen to have the device that was controlling him?" Before saying anything, i reached for my pocket and revealed the mysterious red chip. Rufus reached out and i handed it to him. He seemed to study it carefully without speaking. Sighing and shaking his head, he started "This looks scarily similar to another device i was given earlier today... Sister Yuffie reported to me a similar issue where Kadaj was the host. The only difference was that device was a metal collar with this very same chip on the inside that digs into the wearer's neck." I replied "I dont like that news. But why is the enemy putting these on kids?" Rufus shrugged and answered "I still dont know, unfortunately. Research on these dangerous things hasnt been fully completed, and my employees are still running tests on that collar in the labs downstairs. However, there is one thing we do know about these: they control whoever wears them. These nasty things make the host act violent and homicidal for no apparent reason. In addition, the one wearing them makes noises you'd normally only hear come from a wolf thats out of control." Remembering my encounter with Kaibu before removing the device, i said "Thats exactly what that chip did to Kaibu. When i pulled it from his head, he was himself again. I don't know what's going on, but someone is out there doing dangerous things and as Guardian, its one of my sacred duties to stop this guy from making a mess in the kingdom. I have a high suspicion the same man Kaibu described is also responsible for attacking Kadaj. I dont have time to talk very thoroughly with this threat afoot, but i do need you to send JENOVA SOLDIER on duty and order them to find and defeat this mindless monster before anything gets out of control. I will make haste to Mother's throne and report the suspicious immediately." I turned to leave, but Rufus hurried to me and grabbed my arm. Turning to look at him, i said "What is it?" Rufus had a grim look on his face which gave me the signal he knew something. He paused, then answered "That man your son described.... is SAKUI." I didn't take that lightly; immediately turning around, i said "What?!! Where's Little Sister? She has to know about this. This is very bad..." I didn't even wait for an answer and ran towards the room Sephieroth was resting in, bursting through the door. However, she wasnt there. Rufus approached me, then said "She's already awake. She left this morning after she learned about SAKUI's invasion to focus on defeating him. Mother and Sephiroth are also trying to hunt him down." I felt angry now. The enemy already invaded and both Loz and myself were left in the dark. Even so, i knew this wasn't the time to argue; i had to get out there and help Mother as well. I felt my expression grow hard and said "Brother, i need you to keep JENOVA Foundation running 100%. No closing hours until safety is assured; thats an order." Rufus nodded in understanding and said "Yes, Brother. I'll keep intel coming in as best i can." I continued "And find a way to disrupt the signals on those devices so none of Mother's children are affected by them. Thats the new priority mission for you. I expect you to make haste and do it well before those devices throw chaos across the kingdom. Those things are dangerous enough for the enemy to overthrow Mother, and you better know that is the most potent of threats. If you fail, Mother will be unspeakably furious. If Mother is angry to that extent, the entire Planet will be engulfed in flames and become a burning pit of fire and brimstone. Thats what will happen if SAKUI isnt stopped: everyone dies." Rufus clearly saw how angry i was. I didn't yell, but was very firm with what i said. He didn't speak, but nodded in understanding and went to take care of Kaibu. As i began to exit the area, I heard Kaibu say "Daddy is pretty scary when he's mad..." I knew he was talking to Rufus, but didn't hear him reply. I entered the elevator and left the building with both a heavy heart and deep concern for Mother's Kingdom. SAKUI was even more dangerous than i had expected. I now realized why Big Brother was trying to run from him instead of going after him: because of those nasty little machines of his. He knew those could plague the entire kingdom and bring about disaster with terrifying simplicity. I wasnt surprised he was keeping it a secret for so many years. This was worse than the Shinra incidents, and by a longshot. Shinra was nothing compared to SAKUI's technology that was only beginning to be displayed. I suddenly thought This will get ugly in a hurry if we dont act fast... and that was loud clear even though the war was just beginning.
To be continued...
Loz and Tifa decided to challenge each other while Loz was taking a break from patrolling the kingdom. Meanwhile, Yazoo was driving around the kingdom on his motorbike trying to find his son Kaibu who had seemed to run off without notice. Hoping nothing went wrong, Yazoo kept his eyes peeled for potential danger that could be lurking nearby as he continued his search.
Chapter 16: Chips& Collars
(This section will focus on Yazoo as the speaker) I drove through the kingdom as fast as my motorbike would go, struggling to find my son Kaibu who mysteriously disappeared while i was getting dinner ready for him at our hideout, the Forgotten City. Since Mako Reactor was Mother's Palace now, Little Sister decided that would be our new territory as a gang. I had driven for what felt like hours, but my son was nowhere to be found. I began to worry that he didn't just run outside playing another one of his silly scare tactics this time. That was usually the case, and often he would hide behind a tree or higher up before flying out and saying 'gotcha'. Likewise, it wasnt usually far away from where he would leave. I had a feeling something was not right. If this was another joke though, i wouldn't let him get away with it; this is pranks gone way too far and everyone knows that only causes unnecessary problems. I planned to punish him for it if that was true. I slammed the brakes after arriving at JENOVA Square where the large and beautiful statue of Mother stood; it was impossible to miss. Getting off my motorbike, i drew my weapon preparing to fight any potential attackers who may have abducted him. I kept it pointed ahead of me, slowly walking around the area. There wasn't any sign of a struggle here or back at territory, but i also knew clever predators would not leave an obvious mess behind; smart criminals knew to cover their tracks. However, i was quickly surprised: something flew right at me making a zombie-like cry. I was caught off guard and knocked to the ground before i could fire at it. Quickly retrieving my weapon, i got back on my feet and locked my gaze on my attacker. I couldn't believe my eyes: it was Kaibu! Not hesitating to talk sense into him, i said "Kaibu, its me, Father!" He was giving me an evil smile as though he didn't care or wasnt listening. I soon noticed something was different about him: he had a red chip stuck in his forehead. I had a bad feeling about this. Something wasnt right and i knew it. Trying to wake him up, i said "Stay put, Young Kaibu! I have to get thing out of your head!" Immediately after i said that, the red chip gave off an electrical sound followed by visible static. Kaibu groaned as though trying to break free of some alien control. I gasped and shouted "I knew it! That thing in his head is controlling him. I have to help him!" Of course, the strange device regained its control and Kaibu bared fangs as he began to fly towards me. Turning to dodge him, i carefully grabbed him and held him in my arms hard enough to keep him there but not hurt him. He was thrashing recklessly as though trying to struggle free while snarling and growling like some kind of wolf trying to fight back. I got a gentle grip on the device in his head and carefully tried to pull it free. I felt tears stream down my face: i couldn't bear seeing my own son being hurt like this. Before long, i got it to wriggle loose and Kaibu screamed in agonizing pain as the red chip came out. Quickly stuffing it in my pocket, I stood up and cuddled him trying to calm him down. He stopped screaming but was crying as though he was very frightened. I wanted to ask him who did this, but decided to wait until he was calmed down. He sobbed "Daddy it was so scary! This creepy guy with black hair that had blood in it took me away from home, and then he pushed this red thing in my head and i... it hurt so bad!" I kept him in my arms, then glanced at him and said "Do you remember anything that happened after that?" Whimpering, he shook his head no. I gazed at the spot where the strange device was planted. There was a small red hole but it didn't seem deep enough to be a serious threat to his life. I wondered if it was shock that hindered his memory or the device that controlled him. I gently brushed his long silver hair and said "Dont worry, my son. I'll find out whats going on and track down that man you just mentioned. But before i do that, I need to get you somewhere safe." He sniffled and asked "Where is that? Home?" I answered "No, not yet. If the enemy was clever enough to pull you out of there without me noticing, who knows what else he can do. Im sorry, Young Kaibu, but i cant take that chance. I'll take you to JENOVA Foundation. With the strict security there, i doubt the enemy can sneak in easily. You're gonna be ok, Little Brother." He smiled at me and wrapped his arms around me. I knew the foundation was the safest place, but i didn't know how i would get there without driving. I had to act quickly enough to avoid a dangerous encounter that could further harm my son. I had no choice but to use the new powers Mother's materia granted me. That was the only thing fast enough to get there on time. I sighed, then bolted metal silver wings and said "Kaibu, i need you to close your eyes until i tell you to open them." Bewildered, he asked "But... why?" I answered "Just do it. I dont have time to explain with the enemy on the loose." He obeyed, and i opened a wormhole and flew through it. There was nothing but white light in this one. Before long, i opened an exit and arrived at the doors to JENOVA Foundation. I smiled, returning to my natural form and said "Its ok, my son. You can open your eyes now." He obeyed and giggled, nuzzling me on the neck. Somehow, he reminded me of Little Sister when she was his age in larval form. He was acting just like her. I entered the building, and was greeted by two employees. Knowing who i was, they gave me the ok and let me into the elevator. I entered the number for the control room where Brother Rufus worked and arrived there within seconds. As always, Rufus took immediate notice to my arrival and flashed me a smile. He started "Guardian Yazoo! Glad to see you here. What can i do for you?" I smiled back and approached him, then replied "I need you to care for my son, Kaibu. He doesn't appear to be seriously hurt, but was attacked by a man he described as having black hair with blood in it. This man apparently implanted a device into his forehead that seemed to control his thoughts and behavior: completely." I gently let Kaibu slip out of my arms and he managed to stand up. I could see him smiling at Rufus in a sweet, childlike way. Rufus seemed to blush a bit as though charmed and mildly embarrassed, and said "I will keep him safe, Brother. Do you happen to have the device that was controlling him?" Before saying anything, i reached for my pocket and revealed the mysterious red chip. Rufus reached out and i handed it to him. He seemed to study it carefully without speaking. Sighing and shaking his head, he started "This looks scarily similar to another device i was given earlier today... Sister Yuffie reported to me a similar issue where Kadaj was the host. The only difference was that device was a metal collar with this very same chip on the inside that digs into the wearer's neck." I replied "I dont like that news. But why is the enemy putting these on kids?" Rufus shrugged and answered "I still dont know, unfortunately. Research on these dangerous things hasnt been fully completed, and my employees are still running tests on that collar in the labs downstairs. However, there is one thing we do know about these: they control whoever wears them. These nasty things make the host act violent and homicidal for no apparent reason. In addition, the one wearing them makes noises you'd normally only hear come from a wolf thats out of control." Remembering my encounter with Kaibu before removing the device, i said "Thats exactly what that chip did to Kaibu. When i pulled it from his head, he was himself again. I don't know what's going on, but someone is out there doing dangerous things and as Guardian, its one of my sacred duties to stop this guy from making a mess in the kingdom. I have a high suspicion the same man Kaibu described is also responsible for attacking Kadaj. I dont have time to talk very thoroughly with this threat afoot, but i do need you to send JENOVA SOLDIER on duty and order them to find and defeat this mindless monster before anything gets out of control. I will make haste to Mother's throne and report the suspicious immediately." I turned to leave, but Rufus hurried to me and grabbed my arm. Turning to look at him, i said "What is it?" Rufus had a grim look on his face which gave me the signal he knew something. He paused, then answered "That man your son described.... is SAKUI." I didn't take that lightly; immediately turning around, i said "What?!! Where's Little Sister? She has to know about this. This is very bad..." I didn't even wait for an answer and ran towards the room Sephieroth was resting in, bursting through the door. However, she wasnt there. Rufus approached me, then said "She's already awake. She left this morning after she learned about SAKUI's invasion to focus on defeating him. Mother and Sephiroth are also trying to hunt him down." I felt angry now. The enemy already invaded and both Loz and myself were left in the dark. Even so, i knew this wasn't the time to argue; i had to get out there and help Mother as well. I felt my expression grow hard and said "Brother, i need you to keep JENOVA Foundation running 100%. No closing hours until safety is assured; thats an order." Rufus nodded in understanding and said "Yes, Brother. I'll keep intel coming in as best i can." I continued "And find a way to disrupt the signals on those devices so none of Mother's children are affected by them. Thats the new priority mission for you. I expect you to make haste and do it well before those devices throw chaos across the kingdom. Those things are dangerous enough for the enemy to overthrow Mother, and you better know that is the most potent of threats. If you fail, Mother will be unspeakably furious. If Mother is angry to that extent, the entire Planet will be engulfed in flames and become a burning pit of fire and brimstone. Thats what will happen if SAKUI isnt stopped: everyone dies." Rufus clearly saw how angry i was. I didn't yell, but was very firm with what i said. He didn't speak, but nodded in understanding and went to take care of Kaibu. As i began to exit the area, I heard Kaibu say "Daddy is pretty scary when he's mad..." I knew he was talking to Rufus, but didn't hear him reply. I entered the elevator and left the building with both a heavy heart and deep concern for Mother's Kingdom. SAKUI was even more dangerous than i had expected. I now realized why Big Brother was trying to run from him instead of going after him: because of those nasty little machines of his. He knew those could plague the entire kingdom and bring about disaster with terrifying simplicity. I wasnt surprised he was keeping it a secret for so many years. This was worse than the Shinra incidents, and by a longshot. Shinra was nothing compared to SAKUI's technology that was only beginning to be displayed. I suddenly thought This will get ugly in a hurry if we dont act fast... and that was loud clear even though the war was just beginning.
To be continued...
