Chapter 20 - Striking

The wagon arrived at seven in the morning, filled to the brim with sacks. Naturally, Base Miu's soldiers had already taken their leave. Frederick casually remarked that most of them contained grains and cereals. Though they did get vegetables once in a while. The amount of food seemed astounding at first, but Karabell quickly remembered that there were two hundred people living there. The Upper District was... strange.

"It's been a while since I've last seen a horse!" Alice exclaimed, gently petting the animals. She stole a glance at the two men as they started to unload the cargo. They didn't seem to have brought any weapons with them. What if they'd run into Aberrations? Night time travelling was insanely dangerous. But Alice decided against mentioning it, since she had the feeling that Frederick'd give her another one of his snobbish answers.

"They're cute, I guess." Lyra's expression revealed no hint of emotion. Despite that, howver, she was happy. Frederick'd given her permission to escort the group to their destination. Karabell had tried to oppose it, saying that they'd manage just fine on their own. To no avail. Lyra stared at Squad Ress. Those people were different. They clearly weren't as proficient as their fighters, but they were a lot livelier. She couldn't risk them dying on the way there. Not before she figured out what their goal was, at least. And that trip was the perfect excuse to do that. Commander Frederick had also been quite pleased when she'd presented her plan to him.

Karabell let out a sigh. Things weren't looking good for them. He didn't like the idea of Lyra coming with them in the slightest. Though he couldn't exactly read her like a book, it was clear as day that she hadn't offered to join them out of concern. Everyone in that base worshiped Frederick, including her. And Karabell had already decided that he didn't want to get involved with that man any more than he'd already did. Lyra's weapon of choice was the bow. The weapon itself was nothing special. It was a simple, bow, made out of wood and string. But that allowed the use use both regular arrows and ones that could actually kill the Aberrations. In terms of accuracy, it wasn't the best choice. But it didn't require its wielder to get up close and personal with the target.

*

Karabell had to admit, the Upper District was beautiful. Though also abandoned, the buildings there seemed to be a lot newer than those in the opposite part of the city. If they managed to get rid of the Aberrations one day... Maybe people would be able to live there again. He shivered at the thought. Since when had he started to think like that? They couldn't do anything about it. Those creatures had existed for over two thousand years. Frederick's soldiers still hadn't even managed to rid the Upper District of them. Karabell stared off into the distance as the wagon swayed side to side. Lyra hadn't said a word since they'd departed. Not that he minded it, though. Suddenly, the Captain clenched his jaw, his body tensed to fight.

"It's fine. That thing's pretty far away. I doubt it'll sense us," Lyra yawned. So she'd heard the shriek as well. Alice and Shono had both drawn their weapons, ready for action, whereas Een continued to snore like there was no tomorrow. Lyra didn't seem to think anything about the strange noise, which hinted that she'd heard it before. Indeed, they couldn't spot any Aberrations nearby. But they couldn't afford letting their guard down like that again. Somehow, they'd completely forgotten that they weren't at the Agency anymore. If they were to believe Frederick's words, they'd get to Base Yuna around sunset.

"The scientists insisted on giving our headquarters names. I, for one, hate that idea. Names should only be given to humans... pets, at best," Frederick had claimed, clicking his tongue.

Alhough he hated to admit it, Karabell had to agree with him. Why bother naming those buildings that were going to be destroyed sooner or later? Alice plopped herself down on the hard wood. She'd wasted too much energy scolding her brother that morning. He hadn't woken her up for breakfast, and he'd even had the audacity to use letting her get more rest as an excuse. She'd slept for over fourteen hours, she'd gotten more than enough rest! Alice sighed, inching closer to the Captain. At least they'd sorted things out with him.

"Do you think they'll help us? The scientists over at Base Yuna, I mean," she asked.

"Who knows? I hope so. I'd be thrilled if they let me take a look at their records... But I don't think they will. Well, I say that, but even Frederick gave us a hand," Karabell replied, the note of cheer in his voice masking his worry. Out of a sudden, Lyra jumped to her feet.

"Looks like we've got company... Watch out!"

Before she could finish her thought, a large object collided with the right side of the wagon with incredible force, effectively overturning it. Karabell shouted a warning to his teammates before taking cover behind the vehicle. Another boulder landed close to the second one. Fortunately, the second rock hadn't hit its mark. Staying rooted to the spot meant suicide. Karabell's breaths quickened. He had to figure out where those things'd come from.

"It's an Aberration, probably a tier two. Gargling!" Lyra shouted.

"Right. Shono, Een, follow me! Lyra, cover us!" Karabell swallowed his fear, breaking into a sprint. So Garglings in the Upper District could throw rocks. They were smart enough to do that. Frederick could've at least mentioned that before sending them on their way.

"No use contemplating it. We just need to take it out," Karabell mumbled, clenching his teeth.