A Vengeful Retribution

Chapter 3: "Ruler" of IS, Akatsuki

3rd POV

Yap: Until we meet again Laura.

With that, Chifuyu and Yap boarded the aircraft that would take them back to Japan.

Yap: .... [They.. will be alright, right? It has been 3-4 years since I left. I only hope they are still alive. Even...] (grips his hand tightly) [Even if.... what we're fighting for is no longer there..]

Chifuyu: (notices Yap's action) Anything wrong?

Yap: (slowly shaking his head and relaxes the grip on his hand) It's nothing. Just... feeling a bit home sick, that's all. 

Chifuyu: (pats Yap's head) It's natural you'll think of home after so long. But you're slowly getting used to your IS, right?

Yap: (nods) In holding back, yeah. Say.. IS were created by Tabane Shinonono, yes?

Chifuyu: Yeah, what about it?

Yap: ... Could SoVR be her doing?

SoVR: I would highly doubt so. I've no data on Miss Tabane regarding anything with me, whether when I was first made or if she was the one who sent me to that port which lead to our fated encounter perhaps..

Yap: [So if this... Tabane lady doesn't know shit about how you were made.. Then where did you truly originate from?]

SoVR: I'm searching an answer to that as well alongside our travels. Some may say that I'm just a tool, but you, Yap. I know you're different than those humans that uses IS as another tool in their arsenals. 

Yap: [And.. what makes you say that?]

SoVR: You are a fine example. Despite being a former assassin and emotionless most of the time, you still show them in a genuine way to those you care about. Take Laura as example. You two had fun teasing each other about how you won't make it in an actual battlefield, saying you'd die.

Yap: [So what you mean to say is... I'm still human? Despite after what I've gone through?]

SoVR: Indeed. However, you'll need to open up more if you truly wish to accomplish your goal. Your goal of liberating your home.

Yap: ... [They won't join anyway.]

Chifuyu: Yap? Did you hear what I said?

Yap: Ah. Sorry I didn't.

Chifuyu: (soft sigh) I said that even I am not too entirely sure whether SoVR was her doing. Knowing her though, it might be..

Yap: So the same answer as SoVR then...

Chifuyu: Oh? He gave the same answer as well?

Yap: More or less. If given the opportunity, I'll have to meet with her some day.

Chifuyu: A word of advice regarding Tabane, Yap. She might seem carefree and whatnot, since not only does she posses high levels of intellect, she's skilled in combat as well. In other words, she is not what she seems. I trust that you know that Ichika, me and Madoka... are not humans.

Yap: You mean.. you're like grown in a lab or something?

Chifuyu: (nods) But do not ever tell Ichika about this. Got it?

Yap: O-of course. But one more thing, how'd you know that you 3 aren't actual humans in the first place?

Chifuyu: Just call it an instinct of sorts. 

Yap: [Fair enough. I do not wish to question it any further anyways.]

Timeskip

After weeks passed, Yap, along with Chifuyu met with Tabane, the creator of IS machines, regarding SoVR.