"Isn't that lovely? Are you trying to save yourself by trying to convince us to choose the lesser evil? I can't tell if you seriously think we're that dumb or what, but I don't care either way," Lyra said in a threatening tone.
Frederick put his hand on her shoulder, signaling her to calm down. Despite his unwavering grin, even he knew that they couldn't win against that many Aberrations. Besides, Gull still hadn't revealed its intentions. If he had to guess, the creature probably needed their help in finding and taking out that thing. If that was indeed the case, then striking a deal with Gull didn't seem like such a bad idea.
"That is not my intention. But I'd like you to keep something in mind. Aberrations are omnivorous." The Superior paused, as if for dramatic effect. "Those that kill humans and devour them, they do so because they want to, not because it's the only way to procure food. The reverse of the medal, of course, is that other Aberrations, such as ourselves, prefer to eat animals or plants. Some hunt your kind to get revenge for their fallen comrades. Others, because Superiors order them to. I'm sure you see what I'm getting at. I told you, we're not that different. You don't eat the creatures you defeat because of that poison, not because you consider it immoral behaviour." Gull inhaled and exhaled sharply. "We've been here for a while now. Time to address the main issue. You're all is right, we need to take down the ringleader. Yes, I can more or less read your thoughts. However, I shall respect your privacy." Gull cleared its throat. "Back to the issue at hand. To do that, we'll need to work together. Captain Karabell Ress and Commander Frederick Sel, I'm asking for your help. Frederick, Lyra, squad Ress, you're mankind's strongest fighters. You're sharp, open-minded. And we're the only Aberrations willing to oppose that being. I don't know if killing it will stop this war, assuming we can even do such a thing. But I think it's worth a try. They often say that contrary forces are complementary. Dualism. Frederick, you have dedicated your life to slaying Aberrations, not regretting a single one of your actions. You kill them without a trace of hesitation and encourage everyone else to do the same. Karabell, you have dedicated your life to slaying Aberrations, not sparing a single one. You kill them because you have to, because they took all those precious things away from you. Because they have plunged this world into chaos. I agree with both of you. Like I previously said, we are anomalies. Aberrations aren't supposed to exist. We're on the same page. So please, lend us your strength," the creature finished with a deep bow.
They didn't know how to react. Even Kei seemed taken aback. Karabell's brow furrowed. Alice's words came to mind. For the first time in two thousand years, they were onto something. They couldn't let that chance slip away. But that wasn't his decision alone. The being they wanted to destroy was even stronger than Superior Aberrations. Gull was afraid of it. Could they even win such a battle?
"We get that you're in a hurry, but you have to let us consider our options. We'll give you an answer tomorrow or the day after... Well, that's what I'd like to say. Sure, of course we'll help. You don't have to look so surprised, you know?" Een said, making an effort not to sound too interested. Both Frederick and Karabell were dumbstruck. "Weren't you supposed to be the one saying all this, Frederick? Some commander you are..."
"Alright Een, that's enough. Don't get cocky or you'll regret it," Karabell laughed, recovering from the initial shock. Een really had a way with words.
Even though he didn't like the idea, they had to get new weapons... and coat them in that new type of poison. Karabell called Dante to let him know that they'd return to Base Yuna in a few days. They were humanity's strongest fighters, sure, but he couldn't help but that didn't mean anything without the proper weaponry. Gull had already left when he hung up taking the other creatures with it. It'd said something about searching for other Aberrations that might be willing to help. Karabell still wanted to ask the Superior about Marno. What connection did it have with his father?
After the strategy meeting, Kei went right back to training, attacking the dummy viciously. Alice gazed pensively at the sky. It looked like it would rain soon. It'd all started with that shrieking Gargling she'd defeated back in the Lower District. They had agreed to help Gull, but how exactly were they going to kill that thing? They didn't know anything about the Ringleader. She wasn't sure if Karabell and Frederick could really cooperate, either. They'd finally obtained some answers, but they'd stumbled upon quite the troublesome situation.
"
Frederick sat down on the side of the bed and clenched his fists. He'd told Shono he wanted to talk to him, but now he didn't know what to say. All he could do was smile, and he knew that wasn't enough.
"I guess apologizing now would only make you madder at me, right?" he started with an unsure tone, hoping Shono would take it from there. "I'm not good at this kind of things, but since we're on the same team now, I figured we might as well try to get rid of any unnecessary feelings of hatred. I probably did something horrible. But I don't regret it. Back then, I thought that there was no other way. Even so..."
"It's been more than ten years... We should both give it a rest." Shono extended his hand, and Frederick shook it cautiously. "On a different note, though, I wonder how long it'll take for this to heal. I don't want to get out of shape," he joked, pointing at his shoulder.